Singson bails from sinking ICI

The integrity of the anti-graft fact-finding body, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), was dealt a heavy blow yesterday with the resignation of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson.

ICI chairperson Andres Reyes confirmed Singson’s resignation, effective 15 December 2025, though he added that it may be extended until 31 December.

Reyes’ announcement came with details on the ICI’s actions, including the recommendation of criminal and administrative cases against several former lawmakers, government officials and private individuals linked to the multibillion-peso infrastructure projects scandal.

Singson, at 77 years old, wrote Reyes, citing the “very intense and stressful” nature of the work at the ICI, saying it had taken a toll on his “aging body.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established the ICI in mid-2025 to investigate the corruption, mismanagement and irregularities in government-funded projects, particularly flood control projects that implicated lawmakers and officials since 2024. 

The commission has faced scrutiny for its perceived slow pace in delivering accountability and for operating amid intense political tensions. This marks the second high-profile departure from the commission since its formation.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong resigned as the ICI’s special adviser mere days after his September 2025 appointment. His exit was attributed to escalating political friction.

Several challenges have plagued the ICI since its inception, and Singson’s departure has compounded this.

Critics said the ICI lacked genuine autonomy, serving more as a political tool amid shifting narratives from Malacañang. 

Some legislators declared the body “now dead” post-Singson, citing its diminished credibility due to frequent changes in the administration’s stance on investigations. 

Singson’s exit also exposed the ICI’s hollow core, undermined by internal and external pressures. 

The ICI has been criticized as a “slow-moving anti-corruption body,” struggling to build momentum in probing high-profile cases involving prominent political figures, including even the President.

ICI chief Reyes said the commission has recommended the filing of cases, including for direct or indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder and administrative sanctions, against 11 individuals — former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, Gerard Opulencia, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, Gene Ryan Altea, Carleen Yap-Villa, J.Y. dela Rosa, Carlo Aguilar and a Mrs. Patron.

Reyes said the ICI is turning over new evidence that may lead to additional charges against individuals previously referred for investigation, such as former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former undersecretaries Catalina Cabral and Roberto Bernardo, former Congressman Zaldy Co, CoA Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

The ICI head also said the commission is recommending several incumbent and former senators be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman, including Chiz Escudero and Grace Poe-Llamanzares. 

“Because of the gravity of the allegations, the commission also recommends that the following individuals be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for further investigative review and case build-up, with the understanding that any additional evidence obtained by the commission will be transmitted immediately,” Reyes said.

Singson had earlier admitted that the magnitude of the corruption in government uncovered by the ICI probe sapped his energy. 

“After being a DPWH secretary for six years, I could not believe what I was hearing in terms of the magnitude of the corruption, and I tried to analyze where the system failed,” Singson said.

“It looked like it was all over. This is what we’ve learned so far,” he added.

Probe default: executive session

Meanwhile, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, one of the House members implicated in the “Floodgate” scandal, sought an executive session ahead of his testimony yesterday, which the ICI immediately granted, “because it will endanger his life.” 

Romulo’s lawyer said the testimony behind closed doors would prevent the misuse of the livestreaming for partisan purposes.

The congressman said he voluntarily appeared at the ICI to air his side and to clear his name and reputation. 

He said the request for an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) to be issued against him was also being misused on social media.

An ILBO directs immigration officers to inform law enforcement agencies of the whereabouts of the individuals named in the order. It does not prevent an individual from leaving the country.  

Romulo said he would sue contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya after they linked him to the corruption controversy.