Magalong resignation unfortunate – Palace

Two weeks after being named adviser and investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced his resignation from the three-member body formed by President Marcos to investigate anomalies in flood control projects.

- By EJ MACABABBAD

Calling Magalong’s resignation “unfortunate,” Presidential Communications Office chief Dave Gomez has assured the public that the work of the ICI would not be hampered.

“The demand of the Filipino people from the ICI is higher than any one person,” he said.

“The commission, made up of distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity, has hit the ground running since Day 1. Let's allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate,” he added.

Magalong confirmed relinquishing his post yesterday after his letter, which his staff described as a “private communication” with President Marcos, circulated Friday night.

The mayor said he is giving up his position in the ICI to spare it from doubts related to his appointment.

“This was not an easy choice,” Magalong said in a statement, “but one I believe is necessary.”

On Friday, Palace press secretary Claire Castro told reporters that Magalong’s appointment was under review by the President's legal team amid concerns about his dual role as Baguio mayor and ICI adviser.

The discovery of a P110-million tennis court and parking building in Baguio City, contracted to St. Gerrard Construction of the controversial Discaya family, has further complicated Magalong’s situation.

In his letter to the President, Magalong scored Malacañang for statements that have “undermined” his role in the ICI. “It has become clear that my continued service is no longer tenable,” Magalong told Marcos.

Acknowledging these “recent developments,” Magalong decided to step back but asserted he has always been above board.

“Once and for all, I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my role,” he said, but adding, “Recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the commission.”