BAYAN dismisses Palace’s endgame claim
The resignation of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) bodes ill on ongoing investigations on anomalous flood control projects, a rights and workers institution said.
Singson’s resignation from the ICI, just three months after the body was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, highlights the enormity of the corruption cases, the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said.
“Singson’s resignation is another indication that the Filipino workers and people must continue holding big protests against corruption and putting pressure on government to push for accountability,” the Center said in a statement.
ICI chairperson Andres Reyes announced on Wednesday Singson’s resignation as member of the investigating body, citing “very intense and stressful ICI work taking its toll on his aging body.” Reyes said, citing Singson’s reason for quitting.
Singson’s resignation is effective December 15, “but could be extended to December 31,” Reyes added.
But CTUHR said the Commission is showing cracks with Singson’s resignation and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s earlier departure.
The Center accused the Commission is taking too long to file charges against corrupt contractors and politicians involved in the flood control projects mess.
“It has acted defensively when the president himself was accused of being involved in corruption,” it said.
Endgame?
Malacañang meanwhile claimed the Marcos government’s campaign against infrastructure projects corruption is nearing its endgame.
Presidential Communications Office secretary told ANC yesterday said wins and reforms in holding corrupt officials to account, recovering unlawfully acquired wealth, and implementing reforms in government systems.
“All those three areas, we’re seeing a lot of progress, that’s why we’re confident we are nearing the endgame,” Gomez boasted.
The communications chief added Marcos Jr. “is not blinking at all from all this political noise. And he will finish this to its logical conclusion.”
Gomez’s claims earned an immediate retort from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) that said the people, not the Palace, who should decide the endgame of the anti-corruption fight.
“To claim that the endgame is near is self-serving for a government that has yet to file charges against high-ranking officials in the House, Senate, and DPWH,” BAYAN secretary general Raymond Palatino replied.
Such claims seek to divert attention from the looming passage of the 2026 budget riddled with pork barrel items, confidential funds, and unprogrammed appropriations, he added.
BAYAN cautioned Malacañang the people will resist all attempts to cut short the ongoing investigations and shield Marcos Jr. from accountability.
“It is Marcos’ endgame that is actually nearing because he is quickly being exposed as the king of corruption and ‘thief executive’ for his role in the rampant corruption in government,” Palatino said.
BAYAN said more protests must be held to demand the final abolition of government’s pork barrel system as well as political dynasties. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
