Role in question, Magalong quits ICI

National

AFTER a Palace-ordered review raised questions about his role, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has bowed out as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

In his resignation letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, Sept. 26, Magalong said, “The Palace’s pronouncements concerning my designation, which run contrary to the terms of my appointment, have undermined the role and mandate entrusted to me.”

He added that doubts over the ICI’s independence made his continued service “no longer tenable.”

Magalong emphasized that he has not lost sight of his duties as mayor, stressing that the welfare and interests of Baguio residents remain at the center of his public service.

His decision followed Marcos’ order to reassess Magalong’s advisory role and determine whether it created a conflict of interest.

At a Palace briefing, Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the matter would be referred to the President’s legal team “so that the independence of the ICI will not be compromised and there will be no violation of any law.”

Concerns over Magalong’s ICI role intensified after questions arose from a P110-million tennis court project in Baguio, awarded in 2022 to St. Gerrard Construction Company.

The firm is owned by contractor couple Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, whose companies are under investigation for alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.

Labor groups also pressed Magalong to step down, saying he could not serve simultaneously as Baguio mayor and ICI adviser.(MyTVCebu)