MALACAñANG on Friday said President Marcos has directed his legal team to review the role of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), following questions about possible conflicts of interest and the panel’s impartiality.
“The President recognizes Mayor Magalong’s contributions, but his appointment is strictly as a special adviser. He has no investigative powers and no authority over the PNP (Philippine National Police) or CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) which remain under the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government),” Presidential Communications Office Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.
Concerns have been raised over Magalong’s dual role as mayor and adviser, with critics warning that it could compromise the independence of the ICI.
Meanwhile, some groups have also pointed to alleged irregularities in the construction of a tennis court in Baguio City, owned by St. Gerrard, which they claim could cast doubt on his impartiality.
Castro acknowledged these concerns, saying the President does not want Magalong’s advisory role to interfere with his responsibilities in Baguio City or place the ICI under public suspicion.
“Mayor Magalong has mentioned he is running out of time for his work in Baguio because of his involvement with the ICI. The President does not want him to neglect his constituents,” she said.
“Since he is not a member of the ICI, he is not required to spend all his time on it,” Castro added.
Castro also said the Palace is considering several options to address the potential conflict of interest issue, including possibly reassigning Magalong to another role or even revoking his appointment if deemed necessary.
“That will depend on the findings of the legal team,” Castro said.
“If it’s determined that removing him is the best way to protect the ICI’s independence and avoid constitutional issues, then that could be the solution,” she said.
The ICI was created to investigate and oversee infrastructure projects nationwide, ensuring accountability and transparency in government spending.
