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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Khonghun echoes dare for Magalong to attend House flood control projects inquiry

Khonghun echoes dare for Magalong to attend House flood control projects inquiry

Published Aug 24, 2025 12:55 pm

At A Glance

  • Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun is the latest House of Representatives official to challenge Baguio City Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Magalong to show that his flood control project accusations aren't all bluster.
Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (left), Baguio City Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Magalong (Facebook)
Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (left), Baguio City Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Magalong (Facebook)


Deputy Speaker Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun is the latest House of Representatives official to challenge Baguio City Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Magalong to show that his flood control project accusations aren't all bluster.
Echoing his House colleagues' remarks the past few days, Khonghun dared Magalong to attend the chamber's joint committee investigation on these alleged anomalous projects and substantiate his claims.
"Huwag nating sabihing palabas ang imbestigasyon kung wala pang ebidensya na inilalabas (Let's not call the investigation a farce if ypu haven't even produced evidence). We need details, not sweeping allegations that affect the institution," Khonghun said.
"Kung tingin ni Mayor Magalong ay may ebidensya siya, buong tapang sana niyang harapin ang komite (If Mayor Magalong thinks he has evidence, then he should face the committee with all his courage)," he added.
Magalong had earlier described the House probe on flood control projects as "moro-moro" or a force since he believes that congressmen themselves dipped their hands in these projects and received huge kickbacks.
But Khonghun says solons just can't take Magalong seriously until he mentions specific names and provides tangible proof.
“The House will only take him seriously if his allegations on flood control anomalies are placed on the record, supported by documents and tested under questioning. That means naming names in the hearing, submitting contracts and fund flows, and swearing to the facts so accountability can follow,” Khonghun said.
Khonghun added the chamber is ready to receive testimony and evaluate evidence in aid of legislation, and the most direct contribution Magalong can make is to appear and substantiate his claims in the House hearings, where his statements will carry legal weight.
“If Mayor Magalong believes public funds were misused, he should help us prove it in committee. Bring the project lists, procurement papers and disbursement records. Put the facts under oath so we can separate rumor from wrongdoing and act on the evidence,” he noted.
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