Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque has designated acting heads for the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), following leadership changes tied to the probe into anomalous infrastructure projects.

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

Roque placed both agencies under her direct supervision on Sept. 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 manage 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 DTI chief also announced the creation of an Oversight and Fact-Finding Management Team to coordinate investigations, responses, communications and recovery efforts related to issues, such as PCAB licensing.

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