Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday called for a "complete overhaul" of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) amid the alleged anomalies in the country's flood control projects. "A complete overhaul of the PCAB board is in order at this point," Lacson stated, underscoring the need for reform.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson emphasized that the PCAB has been a problematic regulatory body collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways in activities that undermine public trust and waste taxpayer money. His statement followed the resignation of PCAB executive director Herbert Matienzo on Wednesday, which was confirmed by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, who cited "personal reasons" for the resignation.

In a separate statement, Senator Erwin Tulfo insisted that Matienzo's resignation does not absolve him or the PCAB of any potential liabilities. Tulfo stressed the importance of securing all relevant documents for investigation into the alleged anomalies. He remarked, "Even though the resignation was expected, it must be ensured that documents that can be used as evidence in the alleged anomalies in flood control projects are secured. Resignation does not clear anyone. The investigation will continue even if they're no longer in position."

Tulfo further suggested revising Republic Act 4566, known as the Contractors' License Law, to prevent conflicts of interest among board members. This call for legislative change aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive last week to investigate the alleged accreditation-for-sale activities involving PCAB.