House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun (Zambales) on Friday said the resignation of Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Executive Director Herbert Matienzo will not halt Congress from pursuing full accountability amid allegations of corruption in contractor registration.
Khonghun, who earlier called for a lifestyle check on Matienzo during a House Infrastructure Committee hearing, stressed that stepping down does not absolve him of possible wrongdoing.
“The resignation of Atty. Matienzo should not be seen as an escape from accountability. Kung may mali, may pananagutan. The House of Representatives will continue to dig into the allegations of ‘registration for sale’ at PCAB,” Khonghun said.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Khonghun flagged reports that PCAB registrations were allegedly being sold under Matienzo’s watch. He urged investigators to examine the official’s lifestyle, citing information that Matienzo lived in an upscale village and owned multiple vehicles.
“This is about protecting integrity in government. PCAB must accredit only legitimate contractors. Any loophole puts billions in public funds and critical projects at risk,” Khonghun warned.
Matienzo denied the accusations, insisting he resides not in Alabang but in Cupang, Muntinlupa.
Khonghun said Congress remains determined to push for deeper reforms in the accreditation process to eradicate corruption in infrastructure contracting.
“This resignation is only the beginning. We owe it to our people to clean up the system so that public funds are protected and projects are delivered honestly and efficiently,” he said.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque confirmed that Matienzo resigned effective September 3, citing “personal reasons.”