Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun (Photo courtesy of House of Representatives)
MANILA – House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, said Friday the resignation of Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Executive Director Herbert Matienzo would not stop the House from pursuing full accountability amid allegations of corruption in contractor registration.
Khonghun, who called for a lifestyle check on Matienzo during a House Infrastructure Committee hearing, noted that stepping down does not clear him of possible wrongdoing.
"The resignation of Atty. Matienzo should not be seen as an escape from accountability. Kung may mali, may pananagutan (If there is a mistake, there's a liability). The House of Representatives will continue to dig into the allegations of 'registration for sale' at PCAB," he said in a statement.
During Tuesday's hearing, Khonghun flagged reports that PCAB registrations were allegedly being sold under Matienzo's watch.
He urged a lifestyle check, citing information that the official lived in an upscale village and owned multiple vehicles.
He said this is about protecting integrity in government, emphasizing that PCAB must accredit only legitimate contractors.
Any loophole, he warned, puts billions in public funds and key projects at risk.
Matienzo denied the allegations during the hearing, saying he does not live in Alabang but in Cupang, Muntinlupa.
Khonghun said Congress is determined to push for deeper reforms in the accreditation process to end the culture of 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 Sept. 3, citing "personal reasons." (PNA)
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