Former DPWH 4B Director Gerald A. Pacanan responded to Mr. Jake Maderazo’s column in the Inquirer to clarify the involvement of one of the top-performing regional directors in the DPWH.
Recently, Director Gerald A. Pacanan received top honors after his office was recognized as the most outstanding regional office during the DPWH’s 127th Anniversary celebration, which carried the theme of a renewed pledge to nation-building.
Below is Mr. Pacanan’s response to Mr. Maderazo’s request for clarification.
Mr. ABELARDO S. ULANDAY
Editor-in-Chief, Media Resource Plaza Building
2530 Mola corner Pasong Tirad Streets, La Paz, Makati CityDear Mr. Ulanday:
This is in exercise of my right to reply regarding the September 2, 2025 column of Mr. Jake Maderazo, “Flood of Corruption: DPWH, politicians and contractors stole billions.”
I, Gerald A. Pacanan, CESO III, former Regional Director of DPWH MIMAROPA, share Mr. Maderazo’s call for accountability and support the organizational reforms now being directed by Malacañang.
However, I must respectfully clarify that there has been no finding that I was involved in “overpriced” or “substandard” flood control projects. My recent reassignment to the DPWH Central Office is a management prerogative and does not cite any wrongdoing.
DPWH projects follow a multi-layered process in awarding of contracts to contractors.
Cost estimates are prepared based on construction materials price data (CMPD) and detailed unit price analysis (DUPA) of DPWH. Public bidding is then conducted and awards are made by the Bids and Awards Committee, with Commission on Audit (COA) and private accredited observers present. Contractors implement the projects under the supervision of project engineers, after which quality control tests are performed by engineers from the Region before any payment is released, and then be audited by Central Office based on DPWH Standard Specifications for project quality assurance.
This process ensures that pricing, procurement, implementation, and payment are subjected to multiple checks and balances and cannot be dictated by a Regional Director.
I also categorically deny reports that I am a contractor or that I have any ownership interest in companies participating in DPWH projects.
I welcome fair reporting and due process as the independent panel and congressional investigations proceed. Public accountability must be anchored on verified facts, not on unsubstantiated allegations that risk unfairly damaging reputations.
In the interest of fairness, I respectfully request that this clarification be published in full and in the same prominence and space where the subject column appeared.
Respectfully,
GERALD A. PACANAN, CESO III
