‘ang mga akusasyon (laban) sa akin… gawa ng mga tunay na korap na politiko’ – Baguio City Mayor Magalong

Baguio City, Philippines – After his re-election, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong broke his silence, speaking out that the many accusations and corruption claims thrown at him during the 2025 elections were all lies and that his win clearly showed that the truth prevailed. 

Magalong, throughout the campaign period, faced allegations of owning secret major businesses in the city, being corrupt, and using his position for personal gain. He was even accused of threatening someone with a gun, but he strongly denied the accusations, saying these were mere political attacks. 

The allegations Magalong addressed were the rumors that he owns the Good Taste restaurant, Parkway, Megatower, 200 taxis, a Caltex station, and more. He made it clear that these were all lies created by his political opponents who were trying to damage his good reputation. 

“ Ilang araw pagkaraan ng halalan, malalaman na rin ninyo na walang katotohanan ang mga bintang sa akin tungkol sa mga di umano'y ari-arian ko tulad ng Good Taste, Parkway, Megatower, 200 taxis, Caltex, at iba pang mga negosyo. Malalaman na rin ninyo na pawang kasinungalingan lang ang mga akusasyon sa akin ng korapsyon, gawa ng mga tunay na korap na pulitiko na may masamang intensyon sa ating bayan,“ he wrote. 

The mayor also denied all allegations of corruption, saying he has always lived simply and has never taken advantage of his position as mayor.

“ Lagi kong sinasabi: hindi ako nagpayaman sa posisyon ko sa gobyerno. Ang mayor ninyo dito sa Baguio, sweldo lang ang inuuwi, at hindi pera ng taumbayan, ” he added.

To prove his honesty, Magalong signed a legal waiver allowing anyone to check his declared properties through the City Assessor’s Office. 

With the results of the polls electing him to his third term, Magalong believes the people of Baguio have spoken loud and clear through their votes that they still believe in his honesty in leadership. 

The mayor expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Baguio for rejecting lies and choosing the truth at the polls. He said that the election results clearly showed that the city refused to be fooled by fake news and dirty politics. 

“Nagsalita na ang Baguio at ang resulta ng Halalan 2025 ay malinaw: ang mga pag-atake sa ating integridad at ang pagkalat ng maling impormasyon ay tinanggihan ng ating siyudad. Sa mga mamamayan ng Baguio, nagpapasalamat kami sa inyong pagkilala sa katotohanan at sa pagtindig ninyo sa panig ng katotohanan,“ he wrote further.

Looking ahead, Mayor Magalong promised to continue leading with integrity and dedication. He said his administration will not allow false information or political propaganda to disrupt the city's progress.