‘Stand together for transparency, accountability… never allow corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats to steal future of our children and country’ – says Magalong as he steps down as ICI adviser

Baguio City, Philippines – As Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong steps down as special adviser of Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), he called his countrymen to unite for transparency and accountability, and not to allow ‘corrupt leaders and bureaucrats steal the future of our children, and most importantly, the future of our country.’

Magalong, on September 15, was appointed to said post of ICI, a fact-finding body established via Executive Order No. 94 to investigate anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects over the past decade.

In a press conference on the same day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted Magalong’s integrity as evidenced by his track record, including his key role in the investigation of Mamasapano incident that killed 44 Special Action Force commandos as well as terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir also known as Marwan, 18 rebels, and five civilians.

Marcos expressed trust that with his experience as a ‘good investigator,’ the former chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group can contribute a lot to the ICI probe.

After taking his oath, Magalong along with ICI members moved to inspect project sites and interview key figures implicated in flood control anomalies.

Some, however, questioned his potential conflict of interest in his mayoral role and his ICI post, especially with issues surrounding the tennis court project in the city which was linked to St. Gerrard Construction Company owned by the controversial Discaya family.

On Friday, September 26, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a press briefing, said Marcos directed his legal team to review Magalong’s appointment to resolve concerns. Later that day, Magalong formally submitted his resignation as special adviser.

Magalong resigns ‘to protect integrity of fight’ against corruption

In his official statement published on Saturday, Baguio City Mayor indicated that his decision, which came barely two weeks following his appointment, was not to abandon the fight against corruption but a necessary move to preserve the integrity of ICI amid pressures.

‘No conflict of interest’

Magalong further asserted that there is no conflict of interest in his role.

“My work as Mayor of Baguio and my service with the ICI have always been guided by one principle: the highest standards of integrity in public service. 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” he said.

‘Never allow corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats to steal the future of our children, and most importantly, the future of our country’

The Mayor underscored that ‘the greatest injustice is that corruption robs the people of their safety and their future,’ stressing that ‘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.’

Magalong then asked for his fellow Filipino’s vigilance, courage, and patriotism, and urged them to stand together for transparency, accountability, and good governance. This, he said, is for the country and the future generations.

“We should never allow corrupt political leaders and bureaucrats to steal the future of our children, and most importantly, the future of our country… We cannot allow corruption to define our future,” he expressed.

Long fight ahead

The mayor went on to remind the public that change will not happen overnight, and the fight against corruption will be a long fight as its forces are deeply entrenched but ‘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… The crusade against corruption continues,” he ended.

The Palace, through Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez, said in a statement on Saturday that Magalong’s exit was “unfortunate.”