MANILA — Malacañang sought to allay fears of instability within the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) following the resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser, stressing that the body remains autonomous and fully capable of carrying out its anti-corruption mandate.
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the Palace respects Magalong’s decision but emphasized that the public’s demand for accountability outweighs any single resignation.
“It is unfortunate Mayor Magalong resigned,” Gomez said. “The demand of the Filipino people from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure is higher than any one person.”
He added: “The commission, made up of distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity, has hit the ground running on day one. The Palace respects the autonomy of the commission. Let’s allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate.”
Magalong stepped down after raising concerns that his role might cast doubt on the ICI’s independence.
“This was not an easy choice, but one I believe is necessary,” the mayor explained. “However, recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the Commission. Independence is the bedrock of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised. I refuse to allow these doubts to weaken the ICI and its mandate. That is why I have chosen to step aside, not to abandon the fight, but to protect the very integrity of the fight.”
The mayor, while clarifying that no conflict of interest existed between his duties as Baguio’s chief executive and as ICI adviser, said his decision was guided by “the highest standards of integrity in public service.”
Magalong vowed to continue pushing his anti-corruption advocacy outside the commission.
“Change will not happen overnight. As long as we remain vigilant, as long as we continue to resist, and as long as we keep faith in our country, then we will prevail. The power of the people will always be stronger than the power of the few,” he said.
He also reminded Filipinos to remain united in holding leaders accountable.
“We should never allow corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats to steal the future of our children, and most importantly, the future of our country. Every peso stolen from the people is not just an act of theft. It is a school left unfinished, a hospital without medicine, a bridge that collapses, and a nation’s hopes betrayed,” he warned.
The ICI, created under Executive Order 94 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sept. 11, has been tasked to investigate anomalies in government infrastructure projects and recommend charges. Magalong, as adviser, had been directly involved in its investigative work, drawing on his experience as former head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Despite his departure, Magalong assured the public that the push for accountability will not be derailed. “Mula ngayon ay ibabalik natin ang proseso ng pag-accept ng local government executives,” he said./PN
