File photo of Baguio City mayor ‘Benjie’ Magalong during the celebration of the Baguio-Korean Friendship Week last year. (Photo from Facebook)
SEOUL, South Korea — Following his resignation as special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Baguio City mayor Benjamin ‘Benjie’ Magalong clarified that he resigned to preserve the credibility in the ongoing probe on irregularities in government transactions and projects.
Magalong added that he likewise made this decision not because he is being accused of ‘conflict of interest’ in an infrastructure project in Baguio City but rather to safeguard the integrity of the ICI headed by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr.
“Once and for all, I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my role. My work as mayor of Baguio and my service with the ICI have always been guided by one principle: the highest standards of integrity in public service,” he pointed out to deny the allegation thrown against him.
Magalong, who is now on a personal trip in South Korea, reiterated that he stepped down as ICI adviser to dispel doubts over the ICI’s independence.
“Recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the commission. Independence is the bedrock of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised,” he cited.
“I refuse to allow these doubts to weaken the ICI and its mandate. That is why I have chosen to step aside, not to abandon the fight, but to protect the very integrity of the fight.” both positions at the same time.
In ending, the mayor stressed that his decision was not an admission of wrongdoing and that he had never neglected his primary duty to Baguio residents.
“My commitment to truth and justice remains steadfast. Whether within or outside the ICI, I will continue this crusade against corruption with the same resolve I have carried in every battle I have faced: from Mamasapano to the Ninja Cops probe to standing up against traditional politics, and now to exacting accountability from those who plunder public funds,” he asserted while warning that corruption inflicts direct harm on ordinary Filipinos.
“Every peso stolen from the people is not just an act of theft. It is a school left unfinished, a hospital without medicine, a bridge that collapses, and a nation’s hopes betrayed,” he said.
In closing, Magalong ended with a call for vigilance: “We cannot allow corruption to define our future. We must stand together for transparency, accountability, and good governance for our country, and for the future generations of Filipinos. The power of the people will always be stronger than the power of the few. The crusade against corruption continues.”