Mayor questions Pacanan’s transfer to DPWH-6

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Outgoing Iloilo City District Engineering Office officer-in-charge Roy Pacanan has been reassigned to the Department of Public Works and Highways–Region 6, a move Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu described as “deeply concerning.”

A reassignment order dated Jan. 30, but made public Wednesday, Feb. 11, placed Pacanan under the Office of the Regional Director of DPWH-6 effective immediately.

The order stated that Pacanan was relieved from the Iloilo City District Engineering Office for failing to meet the prescribed five-year supervisory experience required for the position and for not satisfying the standards for designation under Section 13(c) of the 2025 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions.

The Iloilo City District Engineering Office oversees the implementation of national infrastructure projects in Iloilo City, including road networks, bridges, and flood control systems funded by the national government through the DPWH.

In a statement, Treñas-Chu said Pacanan’s reassignment raises serious concerns because his new post at DPWH-6 could still directly influence infrastructure projects across Western Visayas.

“We must be very clear. His reassignment within the same region is deeply concerning. He remains here in Region 6, where the issues occurred, and is even assigned to an office that has direct influence and authority,” she said.

Treñas-Chu said reassigning Pacanan to the regional office “does not fully address the public’s concern.”

She said accountability and the restoration of public trust would be better served if Pacanan were reassigned outside Region 6.

“His continued presence in the region, even though it is a different position, still allows influence, still creates apprehension, and still sends the wrong signal to the public,” she said.

Treñas-Chu called on DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to reassign Pacanan to another regional office outside Western Visayas and urged the department to immediately designate a qualified and competent head for the Iloilo City District Engineering Office.

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas welcomed the development and said decisive action is necessary, especially for critical infrastructure projects such as flood control systems.

Treñas, now a private citizen, said competence and accountability must go hand in hand in infrastructure programs that protect lives and livelihoods.

“What Iloilo deserves are duly qualified professionals who can deliver results with integrity, efficiency, and transparency. At the end of the day, good governance is not optional — it is a fundamental responsibility owed to every Ilonggo,” he said.