The Makabayan bloc on Wednesday said the resignation of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) member Rogelio “Babes” Singson has cast doubt on the credibility and effectiveness of the body tasked to investigate the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
In a statement, Makabayan questioned how the ICI could maintain public trust when its own members were stepping down.
“Paano magiging credible ang imbestigasyon kung ang mga miyembro sa investigative body ay sumusuko na?” the group asked.
The bloc argued that Singson’s departure exposes the “hollowness” of Malacañang’s claim that it is nearing the “endgame” in its anti-corruption drive.
“Walang endgame kung ang mga dapat mag-imbestiga ay umaatras na,” Makabayan said.
Singson’s resignation comes at a critical juncture, with the ICI expected to probe explosive allegations raised by former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co involving ₱56 billion in systematic kickbacks, as well as admissions by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo that ₱8.2 billion had been delivered as part of a “standard operating procedure.” Instead of pursuing these leads, Makabayan noted, the commission’s leadership is now in disarray.
The group raised fundamental questions about the circumstances of Singson’s resignation: whether he encountered political interference, was prevented from pursuing high-profile figures, or faced internal pressures within the ICI.
Makabayan further pointed out that the timing of Singson’s exit, coinciding with the Presidential Communications Office’s declaration of an approaching “endgame,” suggests that the administration’s anti-corruption campaign has reached its political limits.
“It appears the investigation will only go as far as prosecuting small players while protecting those in power,” the statement read.
“Kung ang ICI mismo ay hindi kayang ipagpatuloy ang imbestigasyon, paano magtitiwala ang taumbayan sa sinasabing anti-corruption drive ng gobyerno?”
The bloc demanded full transparency on the circumstances surrounding Singson’s resignation, stressing that the public deserves accountability.
“The people deserve answers, not whitewashing. The people deserve justice, not political theater,” Makabayan said. (ZIA LUNA)
