News
Palace: Magalong’s help still welcome despite resigning as ICI adviser
By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency
MANILA – Malacañang on Monday said assistance from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is still welcome even after he resigned as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. respects Magalong’s decision to step down from his advisory role in the ICI.
“Natanggap na po at iginagalang po ng Pangulo ang naging desisyon po ni Mayor Magalong. Kinikilala naman po ng ating Pangulo ang kagalingan ni Mayor Magalong (The President has received [the resignation letter] and respects Mayor Magalong’s decision. Our President recognizes Mayor Magalong’s competence),” Castro said.
“Ang pagiging special adviser po niya ay boluntaryo po at kung siya po pa rin ay makakatulong para po maibigay ang kaniyang mga impormasyon, iyan naman po ay welcome pa rin po sa ICI (The role of special adviser is voluntary, and if Mayor Magalong can still contribute by providing information, he is still welcome at the ICI),” she added.
Castro said she is optimistic that Magalong’s resignation will not disrupt the ICI’s work, stressing that the commission’s composition remains intact and its members uphold their integrity.
She said Marcos has yet to select Magalong’s replacement.
Magalong on Sept. 27 announced his decision to resign as ICI’s special adviser amid concerns over possible conflict of interest.
In a statement, the local chief executive deemed it necessary to “step aside” so as not to “weaken the ICI and its mandate.”
Magalong, nevertheless, assured the public that he will continue his crusade against corruption, saying it will be a “long fight.”
Marcos on Sept. 11 issued Executive Order (EO) 94, creating the ICI to investigate and recommend appropriate charges against individuals involved in anomalies in government flood control and infrastructure projects.
