MANILA—Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III called for amendments to the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Law, citing rampant material misrepresentation in the construction sector.

Sotto’s remarks came after revelations of questionable ownership structures in several firms linked to spouses Pacifico and Cezarah Rowena Discaya, as detailed in CTA Case No. 10472, St. Timothy Construction Corporation versus Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Records showed that corporations were owned, operated, and represented by the Discayas, their son Pacifico Discaya II, Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, and Darryl Mark Pesigal—individuals identified as relatives or employees of the couple. The PCAB confirmed that such arrangements fall under material misrepresentation in corporate ownership and registration.

Sotto questioned the difficulty of holding the companies accountable given their use of multiple business addresses. “Saan sila hahabulin kung iba-ibang ginagamit na address?” he asked.

He also warned that some contractors exploit loopholes by forming new corporations or sole proprietorships whenever their licenses are denied.

PCAB Executive Director Atty. Herbert Matienzo confirmed that these practices may be considered material misrepresentation under existing rules.

The minority leader stressed the need for stronger enforcement powers and tighter coordination between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to address such abuses.

Expressing full support for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s inquiry, Sotto said: “We are hoping that this precisely will be the result of your committee—the legislation that we need to do with PCAB, we need to overhaul PCAB.”