Lawmakers revived their call for a stronger, permanent investigative body on Thursday as Rogelio “Babes” Singson stepped down from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), citing health and security concerns. His departure, confirmed by ICI chairperson Justice Andres Reyes Jr., again placed the spotlight on long-standing concerns over the commission’s limited authority and lack of resources.
The resignation comes as members of the Senate press for the creation of an Independent People’s Commission (IPC), a proposed entity envisioned to scrutinize irregularities not only in public works but across various government sectors. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said institutionalizing the IPC through legislation would finally equip investigators with the tools they currently lack, adding that the chamber intends to approve the measure “as fast as [they] can.”
Although Sotto acknowledged the breadth of the envisioned commission’s future mandate, he explained that its authority would be designed with a clear endpoint. “Syempre ang plano naman namin dito sa IPC, dapat ito may sunset provision because… it’s not going to be confined to infrastructure, it can go investigate also on agriculture, internal revenue, the NIA and all that,” he said. He added that the version under debate includes an expiration provision intended to extend until 2028 before its fate is left to the next administration.
Singson, a former Department of Public Works and Highways chief, publicly expressed frustration over the ICI’s constraints, lamenting that the body lacked both a budget and enabling laws needed to effectively confront corruption. He urged Congress to expedite measures that would expand the ICI’s authority while lawmakers pursue the larger IPC proposal.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said momentum for the legislation could accelerate if President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. certifies it as urgent, noting the urgency created by consecutive exits within the ICI. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who had served as special adviser, earlier withdrew from the fact-finding panel as well.
Pangilinan underscored the gravity of the cases under investigation. “Obviously, they need more teeth, obviously kailangan nila ng mas malawak na kapangyarihan para magawa nila ‘yung trabaho nila. Hindi biro ‘yung hinaharap nilang mga issues diba dahil napaka-controversial ng kasong ito, napaka-controversial nung eskandalong ito at kinakailangan talagang mabigyan sila ng full support,” he said. “And I think the IPC precisely will give them the support that they need to be able to do the job right,” he added.
Sotto said Singson’s resignation did not come as a surprise given the pressures surrounding the role. “Very unforgiving, stressful, kaya I don’t blame them kung ano-ano makikita nila na nahihirapan,” he said.
Several senators voiced concern about the impact of Singson’s departure on ongoing investigations. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the former DPWH chief’s absence will be deeply felt. “He is known as a man of integrity and technical expertise in government projects. The ICI should immediately find a replacement of the same caliber to avoid losing momentum in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, whose blue ribbon committee has been probing questionable flood control projects, said the administration must appoint a competent investigator without delay. He also pointed to public dissatisfaction surrounding the commission’s use of closed-door executive sessions. “Ang mga tao hindi happy. Parang nakukulangan sila,” he said.
Amid ongoing scrutiny of the flood control controversy, Senator Lito Lapid said he hoped allegations implicating some senators would prove untrue. “Nalulungkot naman ako, siyempre kasamahan natin ‘yun. Sana hindi totoo,” he said.
The ICI previously sought plunder, bribery, and corruption charges before the Ombudsman against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada; former representatives Zaldy Co and Mitch Cajayon; and Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, among others. All of those named have denied wrongdoing.
