Former DPWH Secretary Rogelio โBabesโ Singson has stepped down from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), marking a dramatic shift in the countryโs sweeping corruption probe. ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. confirmed on Wednesday that Singson tendered his resignation โ effective December 15 but possibly extended to the 31st โ citing intense workload, health strain, and personal security concerns. โHe said the very intense and stressful ICI work has taken its toll on his aging body,โ Reyes noted, adding that Singson was โnot used to this kind of life.โ
But Singsonโs exit came with a heavy follow-through: the ICI immediately announced new waves of recommended charges tied to anomalous flood control projects โ a scandal that has rattled Congress, contractors, and former DPWH leadership. Among those flagged for possible prosecution is former senator Ramon โBongโ Revilla Jr., alongside several alleged key players: Maynard Ngu, Carleen Villa, Gerard Opulencia, Manny Bulusan, Ruel Umali, Gene Ryan Altea, Carleen Yap-Villa, J.Y. Dela Rosa, a Mrs. Patron, and Carlo Aguilar.
The commission said the potential cases span direct and indirect bribery, corruption of public officials, plunder, and various administrative charges. And the list doesnโt end there. The ICI is also turning over new evidence that may lead to further charges against former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former undersecretaries Catalina Cabral and Roberto Bernardo, former congressman Zaldy Co, COA Commissioner Mario Lipana, and several others linked to the widening scheme.
Because of the gravity and reach of the allegations, the ICI is taking an unprecedented step: recommending that Senators Chiz Escudero and Mark Villar, and former senators Nancy Binay and Grace Poe-Llamanzares, be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman for deeper investigative review and case build-up.
As Singson exits the ring, the anti-corruption drive appears to be punching harder than ever โ and the next round is only just beginning.
Screenshot from ICI YT Channel