Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro has responded to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s claim that she was the reason behind his resignation as special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“Huwag po niyang bigyan ng intriga na mayroong nag-utos sa akin na ibang tao. Kaya sabi nga natin, iwasan natin ang kuwentong walang ebidensiya,” Castro firmly stated.
On Wednesday, Magalong said he was hurt by Castro’s remark that he had no authority to conduct investigations because he was merely an adviser to the ICI.
Magalong explained that his role was to probe problematic infrastructure projects on-site and submit his findings to the commission.
However, Castro countered this, saying there was no official document from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. designating Magalong as an investigator.
“Nasaan nga po ba iyong sinasabi nating papel na siya ay tinalaga ng Pangulo na imbestigador?” she asked.
The exchange has fueled further tension within the ICI, which was created to ensure accountability and transparency in government infrastructure projects.