Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, former special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), has denied allegations that the ICI’s probe into the multibillion-peso flood control anomalies was “selective.”
Concerns were earlier raised that Ilocos Norte—the home province of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—might be excluded from the ongoing investigation.
Magalong clarified that he and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon had already planned to visit Ilocos Norte before his resignation as ICI special adviser.
“May mga reports din kasi kaming nakikita na pinapadala sa amin na mga projects sa Ilocos Norte. Sa South din, sa Davao area meron din,” Magalong said.
He stressed that the commission operates with impartiality and integrity.
“‘Yun ang pinanghahawakan namin na talagang pwede naming gawin lahat ang dapat namin gawin. Basta alam namin na maayos, without fear or favor,” he added.
Magalong’s remarks came after former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson questioned why Ilocos Norte, widely regarded as the Marcos stronghold, was allegedly left out of the ICI investigation.
Magalong maintained that the commission’s work remains independent and nationwide in scope, assuring that no region or political affiliation will be spared from scrutiny.