Solons blast Baguio City mayor for ‘moro-moro’ statement

House of Representatives leaders on Thursday rebuked Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for labeling the congressional inquiry into anti-flood projects as a “moro-moro,” saying public accusations must be anchored on verifiable proof and delivered with care befitting the gravity of the issue.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, said the institution welcomes scrutiny that is backed by documents and testimony under oath, not sweeping claims that tarnish members who are conscientiously doing the work.

“So, is Mayor Magalong saying that if our investigation here in the Chamber is moro-moro, we are being in cahoots? Be careful with accusations. It’s easy to say words, but it’s hard to prove it,” Abante said in Tagalog.

“If he (Magalong) really believes that some of us are guilty here, he should not generalize it. He must state in particular. His statements are an insult to the institution that we work hard to preserve and promote. I hope the Mayor retracts what he said,” the seasoned lawmaker added.

The response came after Magalong publicly cast doubt on the congressional probe and used language that framed government processes as a farce.

In recent interviews and clips circulating online, he signaled distrust in how Congress is handling the inquiry and, in other contexts within the same controversy, even described related procedures as “moro-moro,” a term widely understood in common parlance to mean a sham.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong for his part encouraged the mayor to bring documents, name names and help secure convictions if warranted.

“We welcome testimony under oath, in an open forum, with complete documentary support. That is the most direct way to protect public funds, clean up the system and ensure that every peso truly prevents flooding rather than lining pockets,” Adiong said.

“But let us raise the standard of our public conversation. If there is evidence, lay it down. Be careful with words. We owe it to the people to pursue the truth with precision, and we owe it to our institutions to pursue it with respect,” Adiong said.

Abante agreed, emphasizing “if he (Magalong) believes some are guilty, name names, submit documents and testify under oath. That is how we clean up the system.”

The Manila lawmaker stressed that blanket characterizations erode public understanding of a probe that is already moving through formal channels.

A House tri-committee has been formed to examine the alleged anomalies, with witnesses to be called and records to be reviewed in aid of legislation, and the mayor is free to appear and present what he knows so it becomes part of the official record.

Like Abante, Adiong also took offense at Magalong’s recent characterization of the anti-flood projects investigation as “moro-moro,” urging the mayor to keep the debate focused on facts and afford the institution the respect it deserves.

Adiong said the House welcomes scrutiny and evidence, but sweeping labels damage the reputations of members who are doing the work in good faith and in full view of the public.

“As a Muslim, I take offense at the casual use of the term ‘moro-moro’ to describe an investigation. Words carry history. We can debate corruption with vigor, but we should never trivialize the struggles of Moro communities by turning that term into an insult,” Adiong said.

Beyond process concerns, Adiong stressed that the phrase “moro-moro” carries historical baggage for Muslim communities because it traces back to a Spanish-era folk drama that pitted “Christians” against “Moros,” a genre whose legacy is intertwined with colonial stereotypes and long-standing prejudice.

He added that while the term has entered common parlance to mean a sham or staged act, many Muslims still find it insensitive in public discourse.

He also explained that public confidence in any inquiry rises when those who make allegations present documentation and submit to open questioning, noting that Congress has mechanisms to receive evidence, call witnesses and coordinate with enforcement bodies.

“If you believe some House members are guilty, name them and present the proof. Do not condemn the entire House. Avoid sweeping accusations. Many of us are innocent and merely working for our constituents,” Adiong noted.

“When the whole institution is attacked, the innocent are dragged with the guilty, and the public loses sight of the facts we all need,” he continued.

The lawmaker emphasized that institutional respect does not mean shielding anyone from accountability. Rather, it means allowing established committees to do their work and giving investigators a complete record under oath, while coordinating with executive agencies where criminal culpability may be found.