Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong expressed confidence in San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President Ramon S. Ang following reports that some business leaders are pushing for the entrepreneur to serve as a “consensus caretaker” to restore political stability in the country.
In an interview, Magalong was asked about the idea of some businessmen seeking a temporary leader amid rising political tensions.
“Si Mr. Ramon Ang is a well-established, well accomplished individual in the business sector. Hindi po ako mag-aalangan kung sakali mang may mangyari at siya ang ilagay to head the caretaker government, puwede po. Malaki po ang kumpiyansa ng tao sa kanya considering his background at nagawa na po sa ating bansa,” Magalong said.
He clarified, however, that the reports are purely speculative and he sees no indication of any “successful destabilization move” at present.
When asked why some business leaders are searching for a “caretaker figure,” Magalong said it stems from disappointment and declining trust in the government, particularly due to serious allegations involving President Bongbong Marcos and some members of his family regarding illegal drugs.
“Seryoso po `yan. It’s a very serious allegation at kailangan pabulaanan agad ng ating Presidente. At diyan po bumababa ang confidence matapos itong korapsiyon na napakabagal ng progress, ng investigation. So siyempre nadi-disappoint ang business sector so kaya po sila gumagawa ng ganyang speculations,” he said.
According to reports, some influential business figures can no longer tolerate the political turmoil and want Ang to be a “consensus caretaker” or “stabilizer” of the government. These tycoons reportedly believe Ang is a reliable leader who can restore investor confidence and national stability.
However, Ang himself insisted that he will not enter politics, believing that he can contribute more to the country by remaining in the business sector.