Stressed Singson quits ICI

'ICI becoming washing machine, punching bag'

- By EJ MACABABBAD

Rogelio Singson has resigned from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure - the second official to leave the ICI after Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Singson felt that the ICI was becoming a "punching bag" and deodorizer of Malacañang, according to House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice, and might be accused of being a "washing machine" as well.

ICI chair Andres Reyes Jr. confirmed Singson's resignation yesterday, hours after former lawmaker Jacinto Paras told Bilyonaryo News Channel that Singson had confided to him his intention of stepping down.

"He mentioned that the very intense and stressful ICI work has taken its toll on his aging body," Reyes said.

Singson will stay on until Dec. 15, although his stint may be extended until Dec. 31.

Singson, the public works chief from 2010 to 2016, was days away from his 77th birthday when President Marcos plucked him out of retirement to serve as one of the members of the ICI, tasked with investigating anomalous infrastructure projects over the past 10 years.

"As a former public works secretary, he has a good idea of where the bodies are buried," Marcos said of Singson in September. "That will give us an immediate advantage when the commission is doing this."

Unlike Singson, Magalong's exit was controversial, as he was believed to have "struck some nerves" during his twoweek tenure at the commission.

Malacañang's decision to review his appointment over a tennis court and parking building built by the Discayas left him "insulted."

Singson is "not used to this kind of life," Reyes said, as investigating thousands of infrastructure projects has taken a toll on his health and security.