Palace respects ICI independence after Magalong resignation

Malacañang said it respects the independence of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) following Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong's resignation as special adviser.

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and TRIXEE ROSEL

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said it was “unfortunate” that Magalong decided to step down, but stressed that the ICI’s work will continue.

“It is unfortunate Mayor Magalong resigned,” he said Saturday, Sept. 27.

He added that public expectations for the commission remain high, regardless of changes in its composition.

“The demand of the Filipino people from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure is higher than any one person,” he said.

Magalong tendered his resignation effective immediately in a letter to President Marcos dated Sept. 26. He said Palace pronouncements on his role undermined the mandate given to him, making his continued service “no longer tenable.”

“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 wrote.

The mayor also rejected claims that his ICI role distracted him from local governance as chief executive of Baguio City.