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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI identifies possible subsitute for Zaldy Co--Singson

ICI identifies possible subsitute for Zaldy Co--Singson

Published Oct 13, 2025 02:33 pm
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) member Rogelio "Babes" Singson has disclosed that the body has identified someone who could act as a substitute to former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Zaldy Co if he continues to snub the subpoena for him to attend the flood control project hearings.
Singson said this certain someone would respond to the anomalies on flood control projects on behalf of Co, who was accused of receiving massive kickbacks in the alleged corruption scandal.
"Meron na, ayaw ko muna sabihin [kung sino] (We already have a substitute, but I won't tell yet)," Singson said in a video interview with veteran journalist Karen Davila, which was uploaded to Davila's YouTube account.
"Meron silang pumalit [na pwedeng magsalita], at meron pa kaming tatawaging iba (They have someone else who could talk. And we will summon other else)," he added, referring anybody else in the Congress who may be equally liable.
Singson also said the body now holds a "smoking gun" or incriminating evidence regarding the anomalous flood control projects.
Singson, a former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said the three members of the body agreed to start its investigation "from the top". This means the high-ranking government officials would be investigated first.
That was what they actually did when they invited former Senate President Chiz Escudero, former Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Grace Poe and former DPWH secretaries Manuel Bonoan and Mark Villar to attend the hearing.
So far, only Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez have yet to attend the ICI hearings, although the latter is expected to attend the hearing Tuesday,  Oct. 14.
"[Tinanong namin] ano ba ang nangyari, ano ang papel mo (We asked them what happened, what's your role), why did this happen? The most common response: they assumed regularity. That's always the statement," he said.
"They say, 'I'm assuming that whoever submitted to me the documents is a regular transaction.' All the way 'yan," he added. Singsong admitted to getting annoyed everytime he encountered that answer.
Singson vowed not to spare anyone or any area in the investigation, even in the turf of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
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