Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Tuesday expressed his willingness to help or be part of the presidential independent commission, which will be tasked to conduct an in-depth investigation on the anomalous infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Magalong, lead convenor of the Mayors for Good Governance movement, said he would accept should President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. invite him to participate in this undertaking. He noted he has not yet received any formal communication about it.
“I have not received any advice yet. I’m also just waiting. But anyway, I’m pretty sure they are also aware of other credible individuals, who can actually be part of the commission,” said Magalong in an interview with NewsWatch Philippines.
When asked if he would be willing to help in the investigation, Magalong said: “I defer it to the President… If he wants me to become a member, I’d be very much willing.”
The former-cop-turned-mayor is among the loudest voices who has been criticizing the alleged collusion between billionaire project contractors and corrupt politicians. He called out the extravagant lifestyle of some individuals at the expense of taxpayers’ money intended for public services.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson welcomed the possibility of Magalong joining President Marcos’ independent commission against corruption, saying this would boost its credibility and effectiveness.
“Magalong’s concern was that he could not leave his constituents behind if he had to resign as mayor. But an agreement has been reached where he does not need to resign. After all, his post and the independent commission are under the executive branch,” Lacson said.
Lacson said he has high expectations on the results of the ongoing probe after President Marcos confirmed on Monday that Malacañang is in the process of finalizing an executive order that will create the independent body.
