DPWH Secretary Singson ready to resign if he pocketed money from Iloilo property

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson said he was ready to step down from his post if it could be proven that he benefitted from the allegedly overpriced Iloilo Convention Center (ICC).

Facing the Senate blue ribbon hearing on Thursday, Singson said he did not accept his position just to enrich himself, steal money or engage in politicking.

“I decided to accept this government position with eyes fully opened knowing the risks and sacrifices that go with the position…Mr. Chairman, hindi ko po tinanggap ang pwestong ito para magpayaman, para magnakaw, magpasarap sa buhay o mamulitika,” he said in his opening statement.

And if it could be proven that he benefitted from the ICC project, Singson said he would be willing to resign from his post right away.

“Kung ang nag aakusa sa amin ay mapatunayan na ako ay nakinabang o kumita ng kahit bahagya, kahit isang piso sa isang proyektong ito, ako ay nakahandang magbitiw agad sa pwesto,” he said.

(If my accuser can prove that I benefitted or profited, even for just a peso in this project, I am willing to sesign my post.)

Singson was among those named in a plunder complaint, along with Senate President Franklin Drilon and other other officials, filed by former provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada at the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the ICC project.

Both Singson and Drilon strongly denied any irregularities in the construction of the ICC.

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Originally posted: 11:29 AM | Thursday, November 13th, 2014