Malacañang called out Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Tuesday, accusing him of employing a double standard regarding the national flood control investigation and his silence on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro responded directly to Magalong’s criticisms about the speed of the national government’s anti-corruption probe into flood control projects.
Castro urged the Baguio mayor to review his own local track record before questioning national efforts.
“Wala pa pong isang taon pero marami na po ang naimbestigahan, marami na pong na-issue na warrant of arrest at paulit-ulit na lang po ako na sinasabi ito,” Castro said, defending the government’s progress.
Castro pointedly contrasted the national investigation with Magalong’s local probe into Benguet’s rock netting project, which began in 2019 but has yet to yield any arrests or charges.
“Anim na taon ang lumipas, wala pa rin siyang nagawa tungkol sa isyu ng rock netting. So, sino po ba kaya ang mas mabagal,” she noted, adding that critics should actively assist the government rather than shift blame.
The Palace official also highlighted Magalong’s sudden reluctance to speak out when asked about the impeachment proceedings involving the Vice President.
“Dahil noong siya ay tinanong naman patungkol sa impeachment trial na kinakapalooban or involving the Vice President, ang kaniyang sinabi lamang ay, ‘I would like to invoke my right to remain silent,’” Castro recalled.
“So, parang magkaiba ang kaniyang panuntunan pagdating sa ibang tao at sa Bise Presidente,” she added.