Malacañang on Thursday said it respects the resignation of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), citing health concerns and the heavy workload tied to the post.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace acknowledges Singson’s decision, noting that the ICI’s work is “not easy,” with daily meetings, hearings and extensive documentation.
“ICI’s job is really no joke,” Castro said in an interview with DZMM. “They have meetings almost every day and hold hearings, with piles upon piles of documents that they need to read,” she added.
The Palace official said the President has yet to act on Singson’s resignation and no replacement has been identified.
Singson earlier said he stepped down due to stress and health concerns, but Castro noted that he still intends to support the administration’s infrastructure push, particularly his “master plan” for the DPWH that was not implemented under the previous administration.
Castro rejected speculation that Singson’s exit compromises the credibility of the ICI, saying “there’s still good” in the commission.
She said some criticisms may be driven by groups that want to erode public trust in the body.
The PCO undersecretary also addressed concerns over the departure of two high-profile ICI members, Singson and former Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong, who resigned earlier due to conflict-of-interest issues stemming from his role as a sitting mayor.
“The commission will remain solid,” Castro said, adding that the ICI’s mandate and integrity remain intact.
