Malacañang on Thursday dismissed concerns that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has lost credibility following the resignation of former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, one of its three members.
Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the ICI remains capable of fulfilling its mandate, stressing that “there are still many competent people at the ICI” and that Singson’s exit “would not affect its duties.”
ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. announced on Wednesday that Singson, 77, stepped down due to “intense and stressful” work that had taken a toll on his health, as well as unspecified “security” risks. His resignation will take effect on December 15, with a possible extension until December 31.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects Singson’s decision but has yet to formally accept his resignation. She noted that the ICI workload is “very heavy,” with hearings, meetings, and continuous review of documents taking place almost daily.
Singson is the second high-ranking official to leave the ICI just three months after it began investigating anomalous infrastructure projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways over the past decade. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong resigned as ICI special adviser on September 26 — just 13 days after his appointment — following concerns about conflict of interest and restrictions on elected officials holding another public office.
Despite repeated appeals from lawmakers and civil society groups, the Palace remains noncommittal on calls to certify as urgent bills that would grant the ICI broader powers, including subpoena authority, preventive suspensions, and the ability to seek hold-departure orders. Marcos earlier said he was open to such proposals but has not moved to prioritize them.
Critics have faulted the ICI for what they described as weak lines of questioning during its livestreamed hearings and for frequently allowing testimony in executive sessions. Still, Castro argued that the effectiveness of the ICI hinges not on expanded authority but on how its members conduct themselves during proceedings.
“It depends on how they ask questions,” she said. “Even if you give them enormous power, if that’s really the way they question people — in a manner that does not disrespect their resource persons — then nothing will really change.”