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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Magalong apologizes to Baguio residents for time away as ICI adviser

Magalong apologizes to Baguio residents for time away as ICI adviser

Published Sep 28, 2025 02:02 pm
MAGALONG (Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
MAGALONG (Photo via Zaldy Comanda)
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong here apologized to his constituents for being busy in the past weeks due to his duty as Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) special adviser.
“It's been a long time since I saw each and every one of you. I have never been this busy in my entire life,” he said in a speech during the Brand of Excellent, Extraordinary, and Zealous Employees (BrEEZE) Awards 2025 in Camp John Hay, this city, over the weekend.
“I would like to apologize if I could not fulfill my duties as your city mayor. Please forgive me!” Magalong added.
The BrEEZE Awards is dedicated to honoring valued employees of the Baguio city government, retirees, and families of deceased colleagues who dedicated their lives to public service.
Magalong honored awardees. “This event is a significant occasion, as we honor the pillars of our work. Our retirees who have given their lives and service over the years, the families of our departed colleagues. Whose legacy continues to inspire. Our loyalty awardees will prove that true dedication is measured by years of steadfast commitment,” Magalong said.
Magalong cited the sacrifice he made during his stint.
“Public service is never easy. It is a sacrifice filled with many accomplishments and this is exactly what I am going through today. Believe me it is something very special. My sacrifice, frustration, and often I think about the safety of my family,” he added.
“If I do not fulfill my duties as your city mayor, it is not an easy task, believe me, it is very difficult and it is also very dangerous. Fight all the very strong people in our country today,” Magalong said.
Magalong called corruption in infrastructure a cottage industry sector, which is highly organized, highly syndicated, following inspections of flood control projects nationwide where up to P900 billion in taxpayer’s money were wasted.
Magalong congratulated BrEEZE awardees. "You are the embodiment of what it means to serve with excellence, extraordinary dedication, and zealous spirit. Long live, thank you for being the heart and soul of our city government."
Magalong quit the ICI effective Friday, Sept. 26, to spare the panel of doubts related to his appointment.
“I have decided to resign from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). This is not an easy choice, but one I believe is necessary,” he said in an official statement.
“Once and for all, I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my role. My work as Mayor of Baguio and my service to the ICI have always been guided by one principle – the highest standards of integrity in public service.
“However, recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the Commission. Independence is the foundation of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised.
“I refuse to allow these doubts to undermine the ICI and its mandate. That is why I have chosen to step aside, not to abandon the fight, but to protect the very integrity of the fight.
“My commitment to truth and justice remains steadfast. Whether inside or outside the ICI, I will continue this crusade against corruption with the same determination that I have brought to every fight I have faced: From Mamasapano, to the Ninja Cops investigation, to standing up to traditional politics, and now in demanding accountability from those who plunder public funds.
“We must not allow corrupt leaders and political bureaucrats to steal the future of our children, and most importantly, the future of our country. Every peso stolen from the people is not just theft. It is a school unfinished, a hospital without medicine, a bridge collapsed, and the hope of a nation betrayed. The greatest injustice is that corruption robs people of their safety and their future.
“We cannot allow corruption to define our future. We must stand up for transparency, accountability, and good governance for our country, and for future generations of Filipinos,” Magalong said.

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Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong ICI
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