MANILA – Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque has appointed acting officials to lead the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) following leadership changes linked to an ongoing probe into anomalous infrastructure projects.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Doris Gacho was designated as acting CIAP executive director, while engineer Sergie Retome was named acting PCAB executive director.

Roque placed both agencies under her direct supervision on September 3 “to ensure integrity and transparency” in handling flood control projects under investigation. On the same day, CIAP acting executive director lawyer Herbert Matienzo resigned.

The DTI said the acting officials will lead CIAP and PCAB until permanent replacements are appointed in line with Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and procedures.

“This will ensure continuity of operations during the revamp,” Roque said.

The Trade chief also announced the creation of an Oversight and Fact-Finding Management Team to coordinate investigations, responses, communications, and recovery efforts, particularly on matters such as PCAB licensing.

“This mechanism will safeguard public interest, ensure accountability and maintain stakeholder confidence,” she added. (PNA)