Magalong resigns from ICI
By: Rimaliza A. Opina, photo courtesy of Neil Ongchangco
It was a move no one saw coming, but only weeks into his tenure, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong resigned from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Magalong submitted his resignation hours after Press Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacanang on 27 September that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the ICI’s legal team to study a possible conflict of interest in the mayor’s appointment.
In his resignation letter, Magalong said Malacanang’s pronouncements about his appointment cast doubt on the independence of the ICI and his being with the Commission is no longer tenable particularly due to the Baguio City investigation on the P110 million Tennis Court project that was awarded to the St. Gerrard Construction Company of Cezarah Discaya.
In a statement issued a day after his resignation, Magalong added his resignation was a difficult choice, but one that was necessary.
“I refuse to allow these doubts to weaken the ICI and its mandate. That is why I have chosen to step aside, not to abandon the fight, but to protect the integrity of the fight,” Magalong said.
The Federation of Free Workers criticized Magalong’s holding simultaneous roles in government – as mayor and ICI adviser. The group cited the constitutional provision that prohibits appointment of an elective official to any position in government.
Other groups also cited a conflict of interest as the Baguio City Council is set to conduct an inquiry into the P110-million worth parking building and renovation of the tennis court, which was built by St. Gerrard Construction.
St. Gerrard Construction is one of several construction firms under investigation by the Senate and the Department of Justice for cornering flood control and major infrastructure projects in the country, but these turned out to be substandard.
Meanwhile, Magalong said he remains committed in his fight against corruption even if he is no longer with the ICI. He also appealed to fellow Filipinos to remain vigilant and not to allow corruption to define the country’s future.
“My commitment to truth and justice remain 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,” Magalong said.
