Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo commended Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for having the “delicadeza” to resign from his post as the government's contact tracing czar amid criticisms, but said the latter's expertise is needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Panelo made the statement after Magalog tendered his resignation after drawing flak for his and his wife's attendance at the party hosted by eventologist Tim Yap on January 17. His resignation, however, was turned down by the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.
In a statement, Panelo said Magalong's gesture was highly appreciated.
“We appreciate Mayor Magalong's delicadeza and finesse amid the recent issue at his hometown which was pounced upon by the government's critics and detractors,” he said.
However, Panelo told Magalong that his expertise was needed in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
"During these times of uncertainty, however, the country needs all the help it can get, especially from those who have expertise in fields required to address the transmission and further spread of the COVID-19 virus," he said.
"Local contact tracing efforts have greatly improved and have become more efficient following the architecture and methodology that Mayor Magalong designed based on his experience," he added.
The Palace official, meanwhile, trusts that Magalong will continue to do his job as the country's tracing czar.
"Moving forward, we trust that Mayor Magalong will continue to focus on his significant task of tracing those who have been exposed to the virus for proper processing and subsequent quarantine as we commit our support to him in his said colossal job," Panelo said.
"We need all hands on deck. Thus, the continued assistance of those with proven competence will be invaluable in our fight against COVID-19," he added.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Thursday that President Duterte has full trust and confidence in Magalong that the latter will implement the law.
Magalong said he and his wife attended the party to express his gratitude to Yap for promoting Baguio City as a safe tourist destination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roque said he was not sure if Magalong was personally liable for the quarantine violations.
"Mere attendance is not actionable. Siya ba ay nag-observe ng social distancing, siya ba ay naka-mask. Kung ganoon naman, wala siyang liability (If he observed physical distancing and wore a mask, then he has no liability)," he said.
"I have not seen him in any photo indicating that he did not observe social distancing or he was not wearing a mask. So he personally may not have liability but he has said that there are lapses," he added.
Meanwhile, those involved in the viral party, including Yap, were each slapped with a P1,500 fine for violating Baguio City's quarantine protocols.