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December 4, 2025 | 12:26pm
MANILA, Philippines — Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio "Babes" Singson appealed to the public to understand his decision to step down as a commissioner of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying his "body cannot take the stress anymore."
When ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. announced Singson’s resignation, several lawmakers called it regrettable and a major setback to the commission’s work as an independent investigative body, saying Singson's contribution was crucial as he understood the Department of Public Works and Highways down to its technical operations.
Singson cleared the air on Thursday, December 4, explaining that his resignation was not because he no longer hoped to serve the commission, but because the work’s stress had led to multiple hospital visits and conditions he never had before.
"Because of the stress, my 77-year-old body cannot take it anymore. ... I've been in and out of the hospital," he said at a press conference, mentioning how he actually just came from a medical workout before addressing the public.
After taking a series of laboratory tests, Singson said he now takes maintenance medication for the heart, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high creatinine. "Name it, everything is a red flag in my body," he added.
As an engineer, Singson said, he must also spend more time than a lawyer studying and understanding the cases before attending ICI hearings, or he would be unprepared. So what typically happened, he said, was that he would bring the documents home to review.
He also said that his family has been significantly affected by the intense stress and lack of privacy, expressing concern for their safety given the security requirements of his job.
"I feel that I've done what I have to do for ICI, but I have to also answer to the needs of my family, family concerns and my own personal life," Singson added. "I want to get back my privacy."
'ICI can't do it alone'
Beyond his current health issues, the ICI commissioner said the body still has a long way to go in effectively investigating flood control anomalies and corruption among high-ranking officials. Without more powers like the ability to subpoena, the ICI has no legal ammunition to even compel important resource persons to testify.
"The burden of this project cannot rely solely on ICI. We need the strong support of the Office of the President. We need the strong support from both houses of Congress, otherwise, on its own, without the necessary powers, [the investigation] won't move as fast as we want to," Singson said, urging lawmakers to pass the measure strengthening the ICI before the year ends.
He also appealed to the public to understand that the ICI is not capable of detaining implicated officials. It is only part of the legal process, which involves the investigation, preparation of cases and recommendations to the Ombudsman for filing of charges.
"We were absorbing a lot of the flak for powers we don't have," Singson said.
Responding to criticism, as well, Singson said he has long advocated to the commission to "focus on the top" and not on the "small fries" as they are only "collateral." What the ICI needs now, however, is a "strong team" to review the many boxes of documents so they may be processed as soon as possible in identifying who should be held accountable, he added.
Singson said his irrevocable resignation will take effect on December 15, which means he is still a commissioner and will continue to attend the remaining hearings and duties until then.
Should the ICI require his technical knowledge and experience, he told the chair he is still willing to help, however modest his contribution may be.
The ICI has only begun livestreaming its hearings in the first week of December, inviting accused House lawmakers first and Landbank officials. Two lawmakers, however, have been granted an executive session while one has refused to attend.
