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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Is Magalong in? Marcos refuses to talk about independent commission on DPWH anomalies pending formation

Is Magalong in? Marcos refuses to talk about independent commission on DPWH anomalies pending formation

Published Sep 2, 2025 11:34 am  |  Updated Sep 2, 2025 01:45 pm
President Marcos refused to talk about the ongoing formation of an independent commission tasked to investigate anomalies at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) until it is actually done.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong lead the inspection of the P260-million rock shed project in Tuba, Benguet on Aug, 24, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong lead the inspection of the P260-million rock shed project in Tuba, Benguet on Aug, 24, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)
Marcos neither confirmed, nor denied whether or not Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong will be part of the independent commission. Instead, the President said it will be finalized "very soon."
"I don't want to talk about it until buo na, e. Hindi pa namin nabubuo yung plano (it is formed. We have yet to finalize the plan)," Marcos said  when asked about Magalong's inclusion in the commission on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
"But we'll talk about it, malapit na yun (we're almost there), very very soon," the President added.
Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said he has not heard any information yet on Magalong's reported inclusion in the commission. But he said the mayor would be a welcome addition to the team that is currently being formed.
"Kung ako po personally, napaka-napaka-welcome na development po kung totoo. Kasi po you know, at the forefront si Mayor Magalong hindi lamang ngayon, kundi matagal na. Sila nila, nung iba pang mga opisyales natin, e, matagal nang nagsasalita (If you ask me personally, this is a very, very welcome development if it’s true. Because, you know, Mayor Magalong has been at the forefront not just now, but for a long time. He, along with some of our other officials, have been speaking out for quite a while)," Dizon said.
It can be recalled that Magalong recently submitted documents to Marcos, detailing alleged irregularities in several public works projects in Baguio and Benguet.
The Baguio City mayor said the report included price lists, market surveys, photos, and project summaries involving road barriers, solar lights, asphalt overlays, rock sheds, and flood control structures. He added that the alleged anomalies are not only happening in Baguio and Benguet but all over the country.
On Monday, Sept. 1, Marcos said they are finalizing an executive order to create an independent commission tasked with investigating anomalies at the DPWH, stressing that irregularities continue to be uncovered even in the proposed 2026 budget.

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