FOR ALL THE pressures he had in the last couple of weeks, resigned Independent Commission For Infrastructure (ICI) special adviser Benjamin Magalong has gone on a break far from the toxic controversies over systemic corruption.
“Good morning Tracy. Leaving for South Korea today. God bless,” reads a short text message sent by Magalong at around 12:53 early today.
It was not certain though whether his departure had something to do with his abrupt resignation from the ICC where he had a brief stint as its special adviser.
HIS OWN VOLITION
In a statement issued prior to his departure, Magalong shrugged off rumors of an imminent transfer to other positions free from the so-called “conflict of interest.”
According to him, quitting the ICI is his own volition even as he cited the need to preserve credibility in the ongoing probe on irregularities in government transactions and projects.
By his own admission, Magalong felt slighted over allegations which tend to place him in a bad light. His name is being dragged into a tennis court project built by the Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction Company in Baguio City where he serves as mayor.
“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 with the ICI have always been guided by one principle: the highest standards of integrity in public service,” reads his statement.
ICI PROBE INTEGRITY
The former police officer turned politician also gave a premium on the need to safeguard the integrity of the ICI headed by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr.
Magalong, who is now on a personal trip in South Korea, reiterated that he stepped down as ICI adviser to dispel doubts over the ICI’s independence.
“Recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the commission. Independence is the bedrock of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised,” he cited.
“I refuse to allow these doubts to weaken 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.”
DOING THINGS RIGHT
The mayor stressed that his decision was not an admission of wrongdoing and that he had never neglected his primary duty to the people of Baguio City who bestowed upon him a gargantuan mandate.
“Within or outside the ICI, I will continue this crusade against corruption with the same resolve I have carried in every battle I have faced: from Mamasapano to the Ninja Cops probe to standing up against traditional politics, and now to exacting accountability from those who plunder public funds,” he asserted.
“Every peso stolen from the people is not just an act of theft. It is a school left unfinished, a hospital without medicine, a bridge that collapses, and a nation’s hopes betrayed,” Magalong further said.
“We cannot allow corruption to define our future. We must stand together for transparency, accountability, and good governance for our country, and for the future generations of Filipinos. The power of the people will always be stronger than the power of the few. The crusade against corruption continues.”