House Members Demand Apology as Corruption Allegations Swirl Around Flood Control Projects

Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. questionable projects along Kennon Road amid concerns about substandard work and potential “ghost” projects. (Image taken from Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s Facebook.)

House Members Demand Apology as Corruption Allegations Swirl Around Flood Control Projects

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com  |  August 27, 2025

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong finds himself under pressure from lawmakers demanding he retract comments and claims of corruption regarding inflated flood control and public works projects.

The controversy surfaced after Magalong alluded to lawmakers’ involvement in alleged corruption, prompting an apology if he couldn’t provide concrete evidence of corruption in flood control projects.

House Deputy Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong and Lanao del Sur Rep. Yasser Balindong have joined the chorus, but their focus has shifted.

They are demanding an apology not for the corruption allegations themselves, but for Magalong’s claim that a House-led investigation would lack credibility, branding it a potential “moro-moro.”

“It might just turn out to be a moro-moro,” Magalong remarked during a Senate hearing, which angered representatives from Mindanao.

Adiong expressed his “discontent,” arguing that Magalong should “never trivialize the struggles of Moro communities by turning that term into an insult.”

While “moro-moro” historically carries derogatory connotations toward Christians, stemming from Spanish colonial depictions of mock battles, its contemporary usage often signifies a facade or sham intended to expose deceit.

Magalong’s use of the term, therefore, can be interpreted as a critique of those exploiting the situation for personal gain, rather than a direct insult to the Moro people.

Strategic Silence or Concession?

Given the charged political atmosphere, observers suggest it might be prudent for Magalong to decline any invitation to participate in a House investigation.

Abante, whose district is currently battling severe flooding, faces scrutiny over the effectiveness of flood control measures under his watch.

Critics suggest he is attempting to deflect attention from these failures by targeting Magalong.

Should Magalong appear before a House committee, he risks becoming a scapegoat, with congressmen possibly seeking to discredit his credibility and divert attention from their own potential involvement.

With reports indicating at least 68 congressmen facing scrutiny in ongoing public works investigations, Magalong could find himself in the center of a politically motivated spectacle to undermine his whistleblowing efforts.

Magalong’s decision to remain silent could be interpreted as a strategic move to prioritize his integrity and avoid becoming entangled in a politically charged “moro-moro.”

Whether viewed as a concession or a refusal to engage, it underscores a commitment to avoiding unnecessary conflict.

The unfolding drama raises critical questions about accountability and transparency within the government.

As tensions escalate, the public awaits further developments and the potential impact on the broader conversation surrounding corruption and oversight.