The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced the impending relief of Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) head Roy Pacanan, citing failure to meet Civil Service Commission qualification standards.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, in a press conference on Monday, Jan. 12, said Pacanan’s removal will take effect once the official order is signed in the coming days.
Pacanan, according to Dizon, did not meet the required qualification benchmarks for the position, prompting the department’s decision.
The announcement triggered varied reactions among local officials, with some city councilors criticizing Pacanan’s performance, while others praised his professionalism and integrity.
Iloilo City Councilor Romel Duron described Pacanan’s tenure as “below par,” saying the official failed to meet public expectations, particularly in coordination with the city government.
He alleged that Pacanan showed political bias by allegedly favoring the camp of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, noting that Pacanan did not coordinate with the city and repeatedly skipped council investigations into flood control projects.
Duron, who previously filed a resolution calling for Pacanan’s removal amid the flood control controversy, said the next district engineer must be capable of working closely with city officials and must remain politically neutral.
“A district engineer should serve without bias,” he said, adding that Pacanan’s absence from council hearings raised serious concerns.
Another councilor, Jose Maria Dela Llana, gave Pacanan a harsh assessment, saying he could only point to a single visible project during Pacanan’s tenure.
“We deserve someone better—someone qualified and capable of delivering projects that are not delayed or defective, as directed by President Marcos,” he said.
In contrast, Rep. Julienne Baronda publicly commended Pacanan, thanking him for what she described as principled and professional service as Officer-in-Charge of the ICDEO.
She said Pacanan demonstrated technical competence, leadership, and dedication that contributed to the timely implementation of key infrastructure projects in Iloilo City.
In her statement, Baronda emphasized that Pacanan remained steadfast in his duties despite what she described as political pressure, and that he was not linked to any corruption issues such as flood control anomalies, ghost projects, or other irregularities.
“He chose fidelity to his sworn duty over submission to political pressure,” Baronda said, adding that Pacanan leaves office with a clean record and the respect of colleagues and the public.
As of this writing, DPWH has yet to name Pacanan’s replacement. The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny over infrastructure implementation and accountability in Iloilo City.IMT
