Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has formally resigned as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying his role had been undermined and the credibility of the commission placed in doubt.
In his resignation letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 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. Combined with circumstances that already cast doubt on the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, it has become clear that my continued service is no longer tenable.”
He also stressed that his duty to the people of Baguio remains his top priority. “I have not neglected, nor will I ever neglect, my main responsibility to the people of Baguio, whose welfare and interests remain at the core of my public service,” Magalong declared.
The resignation came after Marcos ordered a review of his position in the ICI to check for possible conflicts of interest, particularly after questions were raised over a P110-million tennis court project in Baguio City awarded to St. Gerrard Construction Company in 2022. The firm, owned by Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, is one of several under investigation for alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. Labor groups had also questioned whether Magalong could serve both as city mayor and adviser to the ICI.
In an official statement issued on September 27, Magalong emphasized that his decision was not about backing down but about protecting the integrity of the fight against corruption. “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,” he wrote.
Magalong vowed to remain steadfast in his advocacy for accountability. “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.”
Calling on Filipinos to stay vigilant, Magalong warned against letting corruption rob future generations of safety and opportunity. “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,” he said.
He closed with a rallying reminder: “Remember this: This will be a long fight, and we must be prepared to play the long game. The power of the people will always be stronger than the power of the few. The crusade against corruption continues.”
