Malacañang said it respects the independence of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) following Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong's resignation as special adviser.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said it was “unfortunate” that Magalong decided to step down, but stressed that the ICI’s work will continue.

“It is unfortunate Mayor Magalong resigned,” he said Saturday, Sept. 27.

He added that public expectations for the commission remain high, regardless of changes in its composition.

“The demand of the Filipino people from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure is higher than any one person,” he said.

Magalong tendered his resignation effective immediately through a letter to President Marcos dated Sept. 26. He said Palace pronouncements on his role undermined the mandate given to him, making his continued service “no longer tenable.”

“Combined with circumstances that already cast doubt on the independence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, it has become clear that my continued service is no longer tenable,” Magalong wrote.

The mayor also rejected claims that his ICI role distracted him from local governance.

“Let it also be stated that I have not neglected, nor will I ever neglect, my primary responsibility to the people of Baguio, whose welfare and interests remain at the core of my public service,” he said.

Magalong’s resignation followed Malacañang’s announcement that President Marcos had ordered his legal team to review his appointment, amid questions over possible conflicts of interest.

Labor groups earlier raised concerns that Magalong’s dual role as mayor and ICI adviser could compromise the commission’s impartiality, while pointing to an allegedly anomalous tennis court project in Baguio City involving the Discaya family.

Gomez, however, emphasized that the ICI is composed of “distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity” and has been functioning independently since it was formed.

“The commission, made up of distinguished professionals with unassailable integrity, has hit the ground running on day 1. The Palace respects the autonomy of the commission,” he said.

“Let’s allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate,” he added.