Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced a comprehensive review process for companies facing potential license revocation as part of the government's ongoing efforts to address anomalies in infrastructure projects. This move comes after the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) issued a resolution to revoke the licenses of several construction companies owned by businesswoman Sarah Discaya.

According to Philippines News Agency, the review is intended to promote transparency and accountability. It will commence once the recently resigned Executive Director of the PCAB submits the necessary turnover documents. This initiative underscores DTI's commitment to ensuring fair practices and safeguarding industry integrity in government procurement and licensing processes.

During a Senate hearing earlier this week, Discaya admitted ownership of multiple firms, including St. Gerrard Construction Gen. Contractor and Dev't Corp., Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor and Dev't Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corp., Amethyst Horizon Builders and Gen. Contractor and Dev't Corp., St. Matthew General Contractor and Development Corp., Great Pacific Builders and General Contractor, Inc., YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply, Inc., Waymaker OPC, and Elite General Contractor and Development Corp. These companies are currently under scrutiny due to their involvement in government infrastructure projects, some of which have been identified as ghost projects or falsely reported as completed.

In response to these revelations, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has placed the PCAB and the Construction Industry Association of the Philippines (CIAP) under her direct supervision. This strategic move aims to restore integrity and transparency within these agencies through a significant overhaul. Roque emphasized that this action will ensure order, transparency, and accountability within the PCAB and CIAP.