A former Iloilo City councilor is asking the Supreme Court to review the executive clemency granted to former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Plaridel Nava plans to file a petition for certiorari, challenging the legality of the clemency, which he argues was granted in error.
“The executive clemency granted to Jed Patrick Mabilog is tainted with legal flaws. I will challenge it before the Supreme Court,” Nava said in a statement.
Nava contends that the president, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, committed a grave abuse of discretion in granting the pardon. He pointed to a previous ruling by the Supreme Court, which stated that an administrative dismissal issued by the Office of the Ombudsman cannot be overturned by executive clemency.
“Besides, Mabilog is still facing criminal cases with the Sandiganbayan that makes him ineligible for any presidential pardon,” Nava said.
Mabilog was dismissed from office in October 2017 by the Ombudsman for conflicts of interest related to his involvement with 3L Towing Services, which entered into a deal with the city government without undergoing the proper bidding process. The criminal aspect of the case is still pending in court.
In its January 15 resolution, the Office of the President defended the clemency, stating that such decisions fall within the President’s discretion. The resolution also cited Mabilog’s accomplishments, including the awards received by Iloilo City during his tenure and his recognition as one of the top five candidates for the 2014 World Mayor Prize.
The resolution was signed by Bersamin on behalf of President Marcos.
