ILOILO CITY – A lawyer said that former Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog here is not yet free from any legal liabilities despite a presidential pardon granted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

FORMER Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with Rep. Julienne ‘JamJam’ Baronda. (Tara Yap)
“In my opinion, I don’t think the executive clemency covers any of the pending cases he is facing or cases that will be filed against him in the future,” said Atty. Noel Palomado.
“The executive clemency only removed the administrative penalties faced by the former mayor,” Palomado said.
A former legal counsel of the Commission on Audit (COA), Palomado said the clemency reversed the 2017 Ombudsman ruling of perpetual disqualification against Mabilog when the then mayor was found guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct regarding his alleged unexplained wealth.
Palomado said that the clemency made it official that Mabilog can now run for elective office or seek any government position.
Mabilog is currently facing an ongoing graft case before the Sandiganbayan over a towing contract awarded to a firm that he and former city Councilor Plaridel Nava II allegedly had a stake in.
Mabilog admitted to Manila Bulletin in an interview that there is an ongoing graft case against him before the Sandiganbayan. However, Mabilog refused to comment further.
“Whatever the outcome of the Sandiganbayan case, I don’t think Mabilog is covered by the presidential pardon issued last Jan. 15, 2025,” Palomado added.
Palomado said that statements made by Rep. Julienne “JamJam” Baronda were an emotional reaction to the clemency.
Baronda released a statement saying “justice is served” when Mabilog’s clemency was publicly announced.