DPWH Iloilo City chief declared unwelcome again

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

Department of Public Works and Highways-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (DPWH-ICDEO) officer-in-charge (OIC) Roy Pacanan was declared persona non grata again this week.

The declaration is in the form of Executive Order No. 084 series of 2023 which Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas signed on Tuesday, June 11, but was made public June 13.

The executive order cited the failure and delay of ICDEO under Pacanan to vacate its former site at Veterans Village in City Proper, as well as the approval of projects without proper permits.

“As of the date of this writing, the office of District Engineer Roy Pacanan has failed to fully vacate the premises, despite the City Government’s consistent reminders to do so, and much to the detriment of the general welfare of the Ilonggos,” the EO read.

“Pacanan has also demonstrated a consistent lack of respect for the elected officials of the city government, thereby obstructing the harmonious and effective collaboration necessary for the city’s progress,” it added.

The text of the mayor’s executive order was similar to Resolution No. 2024-508 which the Sangguniang Panglungsod approved last Monday, June 10.

The Mayor’s son, Councilor Jose Maria Miguel Treñas, lodged the resolution which was passed on the spot.

The declarations were made despite Pacanan’s statement that they had started clearing their old complex and were moving to a temporary site at Mission Road in the Jaro district.

This transition is pending the completion of their permanent office in Sooc village, Mandurriao district.

It can be recalled that the city council, also on Monday, revoked the DPWH-ICDEO’s authority on the construction of the Mandurriao public market and six multi-purpose buildings across the city, which were funded under General Appropriations Acts from previous years, via Resolution No. 2024-517.

Pacanan was designated as the ICDEO’s OIC on August 2, 2023, via Special Order No. 168 series of 2023 issued by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. He replaced Cesar Hipona Jr., who had held the post since January 4, 2022.

Before this designation, Pacanan had been the OIC of the Office of Assistant District Engineer of the Capiz 1st District Engineering Office from January 7, 2022, via Special Order No. 25 series of 2022 issued by former DPWH Acting Secretary Roger Mercado.