MANILA, Philippines – Sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez na nalulungkot ito sa pagbibitiw ni Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong bilang special adviser ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) na nag-iimbestiga sa mga anomalya sa public works projects sa bansa.
Matatandaan na nagpasa ng resignation si Magalong kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kasunod ng kautusan para sa pagsusuri sa role nito sa komisyon upang matukoy ang anumang “conflict of interest” sa kanyang responsibilidad bilang alkalde ng Baguio City.
“It is unfortunate Mayor Magalong resigned,” saad sa pahayag ni Gomez nitong Sabado, Setyembre 27.
“The demand of the Filipino people from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure is higher than any one person. The commission, made up of distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity, has hit the ground running on Day 1,” dagdag pa niya.
Samantala, ipinunto ni Gomez na nirerespeto ng Malakanyang ang “autonomy” ng ICI bilang isang independent body.
“Let’s allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate,” dagdag pa ng PCO secretary.
Bago ang pagbibitiw sa pwesto ni Magalong, sinabi ni PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro sa isang press briefing na ipinag-utos ng Pangulo kung dapat bang panatilihin si Magalong bilang special adviser ng ICI matapos ang isyung lumitaw kaugnay sa P110 milyong tennis court project sa Baguio City na iginawad sa St. Gerrard Construction Company in 2022.
Itinanggi naman ni Magalong na mayroong conflict of interest sa kanyang tungkulin sa ICI at bilang alkalde ng Baguio City.
“My commitment to truth and justice remains steadfast. Whether within or outside the ICI, I will continue this crusade against corruption with the same resolve I have carried in every battle I have faced: from Mamasapano, to the Ninja Cops probe, to standing up against traditional politics, and now to exacting accountability from those who plunder public funds,” ani Magalong. RNT/JGC
