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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Magalong's inhibition from independent commission must be considered; Ridon explains why

Magalong's inhibition from independent commission must be considered; Ridon explains why

Published Sep 13, 2025 08:41 pm

At A Glance

  • House Infrastructure Committee (infra comm) overall chairman, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) should look into the possibility of "inhibiting" Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (Facebook)
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (Facebook)


House Infrastructure Committee (infra comm) overall chairman, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) should look into the possibility of "inhibiting" Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
This, after the outspoken mayor was reportedly designated special adviser to the ICI, earlier created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No.94
"We respect the decision of the President to appoint Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as Special Adviser to the ICI," Ridon told House reporters in a Viber message.
"Nonetheless, the ICI should take note of Mayor Magalong’s previous public statements on alleged infrastructure and flood control corruption, and determine whether his participation in certain cases may warrant inhibition to avoid any appearance of prejudgment," he noted.
Magalong was among the first condemn the alleged involvement of lawmakers in the anomalous and "ghost" flood control projects.
Late last month, Magalong derided the House of Representatives' then-planned probe on the flood control projects corruption scandal. He likened it to a "moro-moro", or farce.
The mayor's remarks didn’t sit well with House members, particularly those hailing from Muslim provinces, where the term "moro-moro" hit hard on cultural sensitivities.
Ridon and the rest of the infra comm eventually launched its inquiry on the anomalous flood control projects. Two hearings into the probe, and the special three-way panel has yet to invite Magalong.
Ridon said they would eventually invite the Baguio mayor as a resource person, but this was before Malacañang formed the ICI.
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