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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI received full P41-M fund; delays due to disbursement system, not lack of support—Palace

ICI received full P41-M fund; delays due to disbursement system, not lack of support—Palace

Published Dec 5, 2025 12:55 pm  |  Updated Dec 5, 2025 01:08 pm
File photos
File photos
Malacañang clarified that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) already has its full P41-million budget, disputing outgoing commissioner, former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson’s claim that the funding “never reached” the body and existed “only in the newspapers.”
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) as early as September.
According to the Palace official, the delay stemmed from the modified disbursement system and not from insufficient government support.
“Nandiyan na po (The funds are disbursed),” she said Friday, Dec. 5.
With this, Castro said Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong can now be reimbursed after the latter disclosed that he had advanced P30,000 from his own pocket during his time with the ICI.
“Now that the funds are with them, kung ano po iyong pagkukulang sa may mga dapat na bayaran, bayaran na po kaagad (they can now settle their obligations immediately),” she said.
“Bayaran na po kaagad (They should pay immediately),” she added.

Singson’s resignation respected

Meanwhile, Castro said President Marcos accepted Singson’s resignation from ICI after he raised health concerns, though the President initially sought to persuade him—through Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon—to stay.
“Napakagaling po ni Secretary Babes Singson… nagpapasalamat po tayo sa kaniyang serbisyo (Secretary Babes Singson is truly exceptional… we are grateful for his service),” she said.

ICI ‘not toothless,’ but limited by EO

Addressing Singson’s earlier remarks that the commission lacked authority, Castro said its fact-finding mandate was defined under Executive Order No. 94. However, it does not empower the ICI to penalize or compel attendance.
She added that Congress is already advancing bills seeking a stronger investigative body, with the Senate version now on third reading.
“All institutions with power to investigate should be strong,” she said, but noted that ICI’s role is solely to gather facts to assist the Ombudsman and DOJ.
Meanwhile, Castro said the Palace has yet to discuss Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s view that the ICI may eventually be dissolved and its work folded into the Ombudsman’s office.
“As of now, wala pa pong detalye (There are no details as of now),” she said.

Related Tags

Claire Castro ICI Rogelio Singson
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