Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson has turned down Malacañang’s offer to return to the Cabinet, but declared he is ready to head an independent investigation into alleged multibillion-peso anomalies in the agency’s flood control projects.
Singson admitted receiving “informal feelers” from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s camp as DPWH faces intense scrutiny over so-called “ghost projects” and substandard flood-control works.
He flagged that ₱545 billion worth of flood control funds had been disproportionately cornered by only 15 contractors. While he and Marcos had earlier discussed the administration’s Integrated Water Resources Management Program, Singson made it clear: “a Cabinet return is not on the table.”
Instead, he said he is prepared to take on the role “pro bono,” stressing that his call for an independent probe has already drawn backing from the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and other private sector leaders, all pushing to end entrenched corruption in flood control projects.
Despite mounting Senate inquiries and Marcos’ own site inspections highlighting red flags in anti-flood works, Palace officials maintained that DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan still enjoys the President’s trust. Bonoan, for his part, said he would defer to Marcos on whether he should take a leave while investigations unfold.
Singson, who led DPWH from 2010 to 2016 under the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, reminded the public that a comprehensive flood control master plan was completed during his tenure but was never fully adopted by subsequent administrations — a failure that has kept many communities exposed to recurring floods.
After leaving public office, he shifted back to the private sector, holding top executive posts while continuing to push for reforms in infrastructure and water resource management.