ILOILO City — Former Senate President Franklin Drilon pressed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately enforce the removal of Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) officer-in-charge Engr. Roy Pacanan and urged the Office of the Ombudsman to fast-track its probe into flood control projects in the city worth about ₱1.4 billion.
Warning that delays weaken accountability during a press conference here yesterday, Drilon said Pacanan has no legal basis to remain in office, citing a ruling of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that reportedly found him unqualified for the post.
“For Mr. Roy Pacanan, mahiya ka naman. Lumipat ka na. Hindi ka naman qualified dito, ayon sa Civil Service. Mahiya ka naman, gaya ng sinabi ng Presidente sa kanyang SONA (State of the Nation Address),” Drilon said.
He warned that allowing an unqualified official to stay undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in government institutions.
Drilon’s remarks followed a January 12 announcement by the DPWH secretary Vince Dizon that Pacanan had been relieved as part of a nationwide reshuffle tied to an expanding investigation into flood control projects.
Almost a month into the order, however, ICDEO still has no new head or even a new OIC. DPWH central office has not made new designations yet.
Dizon said Pacanan was among several officers-in-charge found failing to meet CSC qualification requirements, as the department implemented leadership changes at regional and district levels in response to internal reviews.
The former Senate leader stressed that removal orders must be carried out without delay.
He also called on the Office of the Ombudsman to accelerate its investigation into Iloilo City flood control projects, which he said amount to roughly ₱1.4 billion for the city district alone.
“I don’t see anything to justify that amount. None of the flood control projects I’ve seen elsewhere cost as much as ₱1.4 billion,” Drilon said, adding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier flagged concerns over some of the projects during a visit to the city.
Drilon warned that inaction could embolden graft in public infrastructure.
“We have heard of district engineers all over the country who, in cahoots with others, turn projects into sources of graft. That is what we must prevent,” he said, underscoring that accountability and adherence to the law should never hinge on political convenience./PN