Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former Special Adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), questioned why he was suddenly prevented from pursuing investigations into corruption and anomalies in the country.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, October 2, Magalong responded to questions about whether the ICI still holds credibility despite his resignation.
“Oo naman. Ako, naniniwala pa rin ako na magiging maayos pa rin ‘yan,” he said.
“Nandyan naman sina Sec. Babes [Rogelio Singson], Chairman Reyes [Justice Andy Reyes][…] at ito, padating na si General Azurin [Rodolfo Azurin]. Sa tingin ko, basta tuloy-tuloy lang ang imbestigasyon, wag lang ire-reign, magiging credible ‘yon,” he added.
Magalong explained that he stepped down from his post after being barred from investigating corruption cases.
“Nakakapagtaka lang, e, bakit biglang ayaw akong mag-imbestiga? The mere fact na sinabing ‘you are not an investigator, you are just a legal adviser,’ so ibig sabihin, simple lang ‘yon, ayaw, huwag ka nang mag-imbestiga.
“‘Yon ang message doon, e. And you don’t have any authority over the PNP despite the fact na may MOU ka. Simple lang ‘yong message na ‘yon, e. Huwag ka nang mag-imbestiga. So, ano pa ang purpose ko [kung] bakit ako nandoon? ‘Di dapat mag-resign na lang ako,” he said.
The mayor admitted he has suspicions regarding possible corruption but refused to disclose details.
“I have my suspicions pero I won’t share it[…] I’m sorry,” Magalong said.
He also clarified that he no longer has ties to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Wala na akong communication with the President,” he remarked.
Magalong nevertheless expressed support for publicizing the ICI’s hearings, especially on alleged irregularities in flood-control projects.
“Tama naman ‘yon. Kailangan talaga na i-open nila. Para at least walang pagdududahan. Pero ako na mismo nagsasabi kasi nag-aattend naman ako ng hearing[…] wala akong nakikitang pinagtatakpan do’n o kaya nakikita kong may anomalya? Wala,” he concluded.