Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday announced that assistance from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is still welcome even after his resignation from his role as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects Mayor Magalong’s decision to step down from his advisory role in the ICI. Castro stated, “Natanggap na po at iginagalang po ng Pangulo ang naging desisyon po ni Mayor Magalong. Kinikilala naman po ng ating Pangulo ang kagalingan ni Mayor Magalong (The President has received [the resignation letter] and respects Mayor Magalong’s decision. Our President recognizes Mayor Magalong’s competence).”
Castro further clarified that Magalong’s role as a special adviser was voluntary, and his contributions are still welcome if he can continue to provide valuable information to the ICI. “Ang pagiging special adviser po niya ay boluntaryo po at kung siya po pa rin ay makakatulong para po maibigay ang kaniyang mga impormasyon, iyan naman po ay welcome pa rin po sa ICI (The role of special adviser is voluntary, and if Mayor Magalong can still contribute by providing information, he is still welcome at the ICI),” she added.
The press officer expressed optimism that Magalong’s resignation would not disrupt the ICI’s operations, emphasizing the intact composition and integrity of the commission’s members. She mentioned that President Marcos has not yet selected a replacement for Magalong.
Mayor Magalong had announced his resignation on September 27, citing concerns over a possible conflict of interest. In his statement, he indicated that stepping aside was necessary to prevent any weakening of the ICI and its mandate. Despite his resignation, Magalong assured the public of his ongoing commitment to fighting corruption, describing it as a “long fight.”
The establishment of the ICI was marked by Executive Order (EO) 94, issued by President Marcos on September 11. The commission was created to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against individuals involved in irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.