Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has openly challenged Congress to investigate alleged widespread corruption in infrastructure and flood control projects, asserting that some lawmakers may be receiving kickbacks of up to 40%.
“Ipatawag na lang nila ako,” Magalong said during an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on August 1. But he didn’t stop there—he said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should also be invited to testify, believing the Chief Executive is aware of the ongoing anomalies.
The mayor’s statement was in response to Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon’s call for him to present evidence following his allegations of systemic corruption. According to Magalong, his information comes from “principled” insiders in Congress and private contractors, though he admitted it’s hard to trace the money trail since many transactions are undocumented.
“Talagang mahirap mag-imbestiga… karamihan diyan wala namang pinipirmahan. Pero kung magsasalita ‘yung kontraktor, makikita mo kaagad,” he said, stressing that actual site visits and project documents already expose irregularities.
Magalong alleged that some contractors must pay non-refundable fees—up to PHP 2 million—just to be included in project listings. “Yung iba diyan talagang sobrang kaswapangan na talagang 40%,” he added.
He expressed support for a full-blown, independent investigation and even volunteered to lead it himself if granted operational control over the Philippine National Police. “Basta importante rin ay idikit nila sa akin yung PNP at we will take only orders from the President,” he said.
He also echoed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s earlier plea for a credible investigation, warning that if those involved in corruption were also the ones tasked to investigate, “parang kriminal din sinabi mo o ikaw na mag-imbestiga dun sa krimen mo.”
Magalong believes some members of the House have already been “dismantled” due to public exposure, but warned that the level of corruption in the chamber has grown “kakaiba.”
His remarks come amid heightened public demand for transparency in flood mitigation projects. President Marcos has since ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to compile a full list of completed and ongoing flood control works from the past three years. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan confirmed the list is being finalized for public release.
