Rogelio “Babes” Singson, 77, has resigned from his position as commissioner of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a body tasked with investigating large-scale corruption. The demanding and intensely stressful nature of the work, he stated, had taken a significant toll on his health.
ICI Chairman Andres Reyes, Jr. confirmed Singson’s departure, emphasizing the physical strain the anti-graft work imposed. The resignation creates a vacancy within the commission, established to scrutinize questionable infrastructure projects and pursue allegations of wrongdoing.
The timing of Singson’s resignation is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after the ICI referred a case to the Office of the Ombudsman involving eleven individuals, including former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. Revilla was previously acquitted in a high-profile plunder case in 2018.
Potential charges stemming from the referral range from bribery and corruption to the serious offense of plunder, alongside administrative violations. The case centers around allegations that P300 million from the 2024 national budget was diverted to support Revilla’s potential 2025 campaign, a claim he vehemently denies.
A former Public Works engineer, Henry Alcantara, provided a 38-page affidavit detailing the alleged scheme, claiming a 30% kickback was ordered by then-Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Revilla’s spokesperson, Maria Carissa Guinto, expressed disappointment that the former senator wasn’t given a chance to respond to the accusations before the referral.
Guinto asserted Revilla’s willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation, but lamented being denied the fundamental right to present his defense. She expressed confidence that he would be able to “dispel false narratives” once afforded a proper preliminary investigation by the Ombudsman.
Beyond Revilla, the ICI has also submitted evidence potentially leading to charges against eight other individuals, including former officials within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The scope of the investigation is clearly broadening.
The commission also recommended further investigation into Senators Francis Joseph Escudero and Mark Villar, along with former Senators Grace Poe-Llamanzares and Nancy Binay, now the mayor of Makati City. These referrals are for “further investigative review and case buildup” due to the gravity of the allegations against them.
Bernardo previously alleged delivering P160 million in kickbacks intended for Senator Escudero, who has dismissed the accusations as “untrue” and “baseless.” Both Escudero and Mayor Binay had previously denied any involvement in the alleged scheme.
Senator Poe characterized the referral as an acknowledgement of the falsity of Bernardo’s claims, stating she has always maintained the highest level of integrity. She pledged full cooperation with any further investigations by the Ombudsman to uncover the truth.
During closed-door sessions, the ICI questioned Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo and Bulacan Representative Danilo Domingo. The livestreaming of their testimonies was halted due to concerns for Romulo’s safety and reputation.
Romulo’s legal counsel argued that a public broadcast could jeopardize his well-being and damage his standing. He clarified that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued against him did not prevent travel, but was misinterpreted by the public as a travel ban.
Romulo also addressed allegations linking him to DPWH officials Angelita Garrucha and Aristotle Ramos, named in sworn statements by contractors Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya. He emphasized they were not his staff and that their involvement was a consequence of their positions within the DPWH.
The Discayas had previously alleged that Garrucha acted as a “bagman” in 2022, while Ramos allegedly demanded a larger share of project funds in 2025. Both officials are now subject to an ILBO issued by the Department of Justice.
Representative Domingo faced questioning regarding allegedly nonexistent flood infrastructure projects in Bulacan, a region that received a substantial portion of the national flood control budget over the past three years – P9.49 billion out of P70.3 billion. He denied any wrongdoing.
