Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong Gives Message for Filipinos over Fight vs. Corruption
BENJAMIN MAGALONG – The Baguio Mayor issued a statement to clarify his resignation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI and give a message for Filipinos over the fight against corruption.
Countless Filipinos were left disappointed by the discovery of several ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control projects funded by the government. Several areas in the country remain flood-prone areas despite the billions of government funds being released for the flood control deals.
Amid the issue, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered the creation of an independent body for infrastructure probe that has the power to move for the seizure of assets linked to irregularities — the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI. It also has the power to investigate individuals who are accused of violating the anti-graft and corruption laws in the country as well as the issuance of subpoena for the investigation.
The ICI is a three-member body chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. The members are former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio L. Singson and Country Managing Partner at SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. Rossana A. Fajardo. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was appointed as special adviser of the ICI.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong is a retired police officer who has served in the Philippine Constabulary and Philippine National Police for 38 years before he stepped into politics in 2019. However, recently, countless people were surprised when Magalong publicized his resignation from being the special adviser of the ICI.
“The Palace’s pronouncements concerning my designation, which run contrary to the terms of my appointment, have undermined the role and mandate entrusted to me. Combined with circumstances that already cast doubt on the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, it has become clear that my continued service is no longer tenable,” Magalong stated.
The Baguio Mayor also stated in his letter to Pres. Bongbong Marcos that he has not neglected and will never neglect his main responsibility to the people of Baguio. According to him, the interests and welfare of the people of Baguio are at the center of his public service.
Following his resignation from being the special adviser of the ICI, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong clarified his move and gave a message for the Filipino people over the fight against corruption. In his statement posted by DZBB Super Radyo on social media.
In his statement, Mayor Magalong claimed that change will not happen overnight and it will be a long fight against corruption that the Filipinos must be prepared of. According to him, “the forces of corruption are deeply entrenched”. Meanwhile, he believes that while it is, so too is the spirit of resilience and the courage of the Filipino people.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong stressed that the Filipino people will prevail as long as the people remain vigilant, continue to resist corruption, and keep the faith in the country. Based on the post, he stressed that the power of the people will always be stronger than the power of a few and the crusade against corruption continues.
The House of Representatives stopped its flood control probe following the creation of the independent commission. Recently, Malacañang stressed that Pres. Bongbong Marcos will not intervene in the flood control investigation.