Malacañang said Monday that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s support remains welcome even after stepping down as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects Magalong’s decision. “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,” she said.
Castro added that Magalong may still contribute to the ICI if he chooses. “Ang pagiging special adviser po niya ay boluntaryo… 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,” she noted.
She assured that Magalong’s resignation would not disrupt the commission’s work, emphasizing that its members remain intact and committed to their mandate. Marcos has yet to name a replacement.
Magalong announced his resignation on Sept. 27, citing concerns over a possible conflict of interest. He said stepping aside was necessary so as not to “weaken the ICI and its mandate,” but vowed to continue his fight against corruption, calling it a “long fight.”
President Marcos earlier signed Executive Order 94 creating the ICI to probe anomalies in government flood control and infrastructure projects and recommend charges against those involved.