Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has stepped down as Special Adviser and Investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body tasked to probe alleged anomalies in billions, if not trillions, of pesos worth of government infrastructure projects.
In a statement on Saturday, September 27, Magalong said his resignation was a “necessary” decision to preserve the credibility of the ICI amid questions raised about its independence.
“Independence is the bedrock of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised,” he said.
Magalong denied any conflict of interest in holding dual roles as Baguio mayor and ICI investigator, insisting that both positions were guided by his commitment to integrity in public service.
“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 very integrity of the fight,” he stressed.
The former police general vowed to continue his anti-corruption crusade outside the ICI, recalling his past battles such as the Mamasapano probe, the “ninja cops” controversy, and his opposition to traditional politics.
“Every peso stolen from the people is not just an act of theft. It is a school left unfinished, a hospital without medicine, a bridge that collapses, and a nation’s hopes betrayed,” he said.
Magalong also issued a call to the public for vigilance, courage, and nationalism, warning that the fight against corruption would be long and difficult.
“The forces of corruption are deeply entrenched, but so too is the Filipino spirit of resilience and courage,” he said, urging Filipinos to stand together for transparency and accountability.
“The power of the people will always be stronger than the power of the few. The crusade against corruption continues,” Magalong said.
