By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Thursday said it respects former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson’s decision to leave the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) due to health reasons.
In an interview with dzMM, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged that the ICI’s “stressful” workload could have taken a toll on Singson’s health.
“Ginagalang naman po natin ang desisyon ni dating Secretary Babes Singson, considering na health reason na ang naging konsiderasyon ng magaling na si Secretary Babes,” Castro said.
“So, talaga naman po mahirap naman po talaga ang trabaho ng ICI,” she added, citing the ICI’s daily hearing into the anomalous flood control projects and the extensive paperwork the independent fact-finding body must review.
Castro said the resignation of Singson should not be politicized by the “malicious” minds, as it was solely due to health reasons.
She clarified that despite Singson’s departure, the former ICI member intends to continue sharing his expertise with the DPWH, which plans to implement the flood control master plan he initiated.
Castro also emphasized that the ICI can continue its work without Singson, considering that retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. leads it.
“Marami pa rin pong magaling na nandyan po sa ICI hindi naman po maapektuhan ito. Meron siguro lang po nagpapalaganap nito para po hindi na maging maganda ang tingin ng tao sa ICI pero hindi marami pa pong magaling na maiiwan po diyan,” she said.
Castro also defended the ICI’s interrogation process, saying the commission handles matters with respect.
“Tandaan po natin ang namumuno diyan ay dating Supreme Court Justice. So, alam niya kung papaano magtanong nang hindi nambabastos ng resource person. Ang gusto po ba ng mga taumbayan, makita ‘yung katulad na nangyayari sa ibang hearing na nagkakapahiyaan ng resource person, nananakot na ipapakulong?” she said.
“Hindi po ‘yun ‘yung way ng pag-iimbestiga if you really want to know the truth. May pamamaraan po how to get the truth na hindi niyo po babastusin ang witness o resource person,” Castro said.
