Bonoan: No reason to sack Iloilo City DPWH chief

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan said there is no reason to remove Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) officer-in-charge Roy Pacanan from his post.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo Iloilo on Aug. 14, Bonoan said Pacanan has been fulfilling his responsibilities since assuming office in 2023.

“I have not received any derogatory complaints regarding technical competence and integrity in the implementation of projects,” Bonoan said.

He noted the only complaint he received was about a lack of coordination with the city government in implementing projects.

The ICDEO explained that it had tried to reach out to the city government, but coordination meetings did not push through.

Pacanan has since stressed that his office coordinates with city officials through formal and written communications.

Bonoan’s statement came amid reports from Iloilo City government officials that Pacanan was relieved on Aug. 12.

“I do not have any reason why he should not continue in that position,” Bonoan said, clarifying that he has not signed any relief order for the ICDEO head.

“I don’t know where they got that information, but as far as I am concerned, I have not signed any document relieving Pacanan,” he added.

Bonoan said he is aware of issues surrounding Pacanan, including his persona non grata declaration and the alleged “political demolition” waged by the city government against him.

The city government has repeatedly criticized Pacanan and the ICDEO for project delays, leading to his declaration as persona non grata through an executive order and a council resolution.

Pacanan has publicly criticized the city government, defending his office’s projects while accusing the Office of the Building Official of causing delays.

He cited the late issuance of permits and delayed return of technical plans as major reasons for slow project progress.

Recently, the City Council considered declaring Pacanan persona non grata for the third time for avoiding investigation hearings into DPWH waterway projects in the city.

Pacanan described the council’s invitation as a “political demolition,” which city officials countered as part of government oversight.

In a separate interview on Friday, Pacanan said he sought legal advice from the DPWH central and regional offices on whether the investigation was valid.

“The power to investigate is with the Senate and House of Representatives,” he said.

He added that if the City Council is only seeking coordination, the ICDEO is open to discussions.

“We can send documents. We can send our assigned engineers to coordinate with their engineers to discuss what needs to be discussed,” he said.