President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, lifting the penalties and disabilities imposed on the local official who was earlier tagged as a “narco-politician” during the Duterte administration.
“The President decided to grant the request of former Mayor Mabilog because he pleaded that his liabilities or disabilities under the decision of the Ombudsman should be expunged,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.
“Mabilog claimed he left the country because of threats to his life, which he believed stemmed from then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s accusations linking him to the illegal drug trade…Whether those allegations were true or not, that is irrelevant now,” the Palace official added.
The Office of the President issued the executive clemency resolution on January 15 following Mabilog’s petition for unconditional presidential pardon.
The letter highlighted the awards and recognition Iloilo City earned under Mabilog’s leadership, including international accolades and national achievements that underscored his dedication to improving the city.
In August 2017, then-President Duterte accused Mabilog of being a “major drug protector” during a public address and included him on the so-called “narco-list” of public officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
Mabilog left the country in 2017, fearing for his safety, and did not return until Sept. 10, 2024 – under the Marcos administration – to clear his name after being included in the Duterte administration’s drug watchlist despite no drug charges being filed against him.
The Ombudsman also ordered Mabilog’s dismissal in 2017 for “serious dishonesty” after he was found guilty of failing to explain a significant increase in his wealth, amounting to over P8.9 million.
With the executive clemency granted by Mr. Marcos, administrative penalties have been lifted, paving the way for Mabilog’s potential return to government service.
“This is an exercise of the President’s power of executive clemency, which covers administrative matters. There was no criminal prosecution in this case,” Bersamin said.
In an interview with RMN Iloilo, Mabilog described the executive clemency as life-changing.
“The letter was dated January 15, 2025, but I only received it on the afternoon of January 24. When I saw it was from the President’s Office, I immediately called my wife so we could read it together. We were overwhelmed with happiness upon seeing that the decision favored us,” Mabilog said.
“I thank God for guiding me through this journey and for blessing me with this moment. I also extend my sincere thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for acknowledging my efforts and contributions to Iloilo City… This is a new beginning for me and my family, and I could not have reached this moment without their unwavering support and the prayers of the people of Iloilo City.”
“President Marcos and his team saw the truth and fairness in granting this clemency. I am incredibly grateful. It’s reassuring to know that all the good we worked hard for in Iloilo City has not been forgotten,” he added.
In September, Mabilog testified before the House Quad Committee that the bloody war on drugs of the former administration was also a smokescreen to target and eliminate political rivals.
“President Duterte repeatedly threatened me, through the media, saying outright that he would kill me,” he said.
When asked by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel why Mabilog thought he was targeted, the former mayor surmised it was because of his lack of support for Duterte in the 2016 elections.
“President Rodrigo Duterte got only 13.7 percent in the total number of votes in Iloilo City, which is his lowest percentage of votes all over the country, while Manuel Roxas won the majority in Iloilo City,” he said.
Mabilog also expressed his willingness to testify before the International Criminal Court to share his experiences and knowledge about Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Vindicated Mabilog thanks Marcos for ‘executive clemency’.”
