Magalong on quitting ICI: The message was to stand down

MANILA, Philippines —  Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Malacañang’s public announcement that his appointment as special adviser and investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was under legal review sent him a “clear message” to stand down.

“Wouldn’t it have been a simple courtesy to call me in? To tell me that there’s an issue that needs to be fixed first because there’s a problem? But that’s not what happened. We were out there working hard… and then I just found out that they already had a press conference,” Magalong said in Filipino in an interview yesterday with “Storycon” on One News.

“The presscon, it only meant one thing: stop investigating. Stand down. It was easy to understand that presscon,” he added, referring to the Sept. 26 Palace briefing where press officer Claire Castro said the President ordered a legal review of Magalong’s dual role as ICI adviser and Baguio mayor.

In a separate “Storycon” interview last week, Castro denied that Malacañang was sending any message to Magalong, saying she merely answered a reporter’s question.

But Magalong said he did not believe this explanation, claiming the press conference was “hastily arranged.”

He also declined to elaborate on his earlier remark that his work as ICI investigator “struck someone’s nerve,” saying, “Let’s leave it at that.”

INC investigator needed

Magalong also maintained that the ICI needs a lead investigator to handle thousands of alleged anomalous flood control projects nationwide.

“The ICI cannot simply hold hearings. What they do there is different from what needs to be done in the field,” he said in Filipino. “How would you handle thousands upon thousands of cases? How would you even be able to file cases for all of those?”

While the ICI can enlist the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies, Magalong emphasized the need for a lead person “to orchestrate the entire investigative effort.”

“In the organization of our team, there should be a supervising investigator in charge of areas… then there’s a head investigator,” he explained, revealing he was tapped precisely for his investigative background as a former police official.

Magalong recently met with former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who has been appointed to replace him as ICI special adviser and investigator.

In a related development, Malacañang agreed with the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)’s call to ensure transparency in the ICI investigation into the flood control controversy but said it would be up to the commission to decide how to carry it out.

“In all investigations, there should be transparency. Nothing should be hidden,” Castro said.

Earlier, INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo said the investigation “should be open and should be witnessed by the public,” emphasizing the need to pursue it “with transparency and without favor” to achieve peace and justice.

Castro also clarified that the ICI would continue its work despite the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as ombudsman, as it remains focused on irregular flood control and infrastructure projects.

She noted that the investigations of the justice department and the ombudsman could move faster if provided with complete documents from the ICI.

Remember the crooks

As the investigation into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control anomaly continues, several groups and personalities have reminded the public of the need for vigilance and accountability.

In a statement, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting yesterday urged Filipinos to remember the names of politicians linked to the flood control anomalies when they cast their votes in the next elections.

The Church-based election watchdog urged the government to ensure swift and impartial justice, recover ill-gotten funds, end “shadow contracts” and ensure that all projects are open to public monitoring.

“To our countrymen, fellow Filipinos, the unbridled corruption of some of our leaders underlines the urgent need for discernment in selecting our leaders… Philippines, your vote is the key to our recovery. Philippines, hold accountable and do not forget those who oppress us,” it said.

Bacolod lone district Rep. Albee Benitez, meanwhile, underscored the need to rebuild integrity and conscience in society.

“Corruption is, ultimately, a moral crisis. To end it, we must rebuild our sense of righteousness – our belief that truth still matters, that decency still counts and that no one is too small to make a stand,” the lawmaker said.

“The solution is not just more laws, but more conscience. Moral renewal must begin in homes, schools and public life. Integrity must be celebrated as much as corruption is condemned. We must make doing the right thing the rule again, not the exception,” he said.

Echoing Benitez, the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG) said the country needs “a snap of conscience,” not a snap election.

Earlier, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s called for President Marcos and all elected officials to resign and hold a snap election, claiming it would help restore public trust amid revelations of corruption in flood control projects.

Instead of pushing for a snap election, the CGG urged justice for victims of corruption and accountability for those who plundered public funds, regardless of rank or influence.– Evelyn Macairan, Jose Rodel Clapano, Alexis Romero