Magalong Resigns From Newly Created Infra Probe Body

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong

Magalong Resigns From Newly Created Infra Probe Body

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | September 29, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – In a move that has shaken the country’s political landscape, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has resigned as special advisor to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed recently to investigate government project irregularities.

Citing irreconcilable differences with other officials, Magalong said, “Recent developments have compromised the ICI’s credibility.”

“I cannot, in good conscience, allow these doubts to undermine the ICI and its critical mandate,” he declared.

He said his decision to step aside is not an abandonment of the fight against corruption but a necessary measure to protect the ICI’s “very essence” of independence.

While Magalong refrained from naming those involved in corruption, sources indicate that his resignation stems from mounting evidence of systemic corruption within the government’s infrastructure projects.

Corruption allegations range from bribery and kickbacks to the manipulation of the bidding process to favor specific contractors.

These, Magalong pointed out, resulted in compromised construction quality and outright misappropriation of public funds.

The alleged scale of corruption has implicated not only contractors and Department of Public Works and Highways engineers but also influential senators and congressmen, he noted.

Magalong’s departure from the ICI coincides with the escalating allegations of widespread graft implicating powerful figures, including Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and some senators.

This has raised serious questions about the integrity of infrastructure projects nationwide.

Resignation Accepted

Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez acknowledged Magalong’s resignation, stating that the public’s expectation for the ICI “is higher than any person.”

“The Palace respects the autonomy of the commission. We must allow them to do their job and deliver on their mandate,” Gomez said.

However, the administration’s response, perceived by some as lukewarm, has fueled speculations regarding its commitment to a fully independent and transparent investigation.

Magalong’s resignation has triggered widespread concern about the ICI’s future and its capacity to effectively address corruption.

Critics see his departure as a signal of a potential cover-up, while others remain optimistic that the ICI can still fulfill its mandate despite this significant setback.

“Change will not happen overnight,” Magalong cautioned in his farewell statement, urging Filipinos to remain vigilant in their fight against corruption.

“As long as we remain vigilant, as long as we continue to resist, and as long as we keep faith in our country, then we will prevail,” he said.

Magalong is a respected figure known for his unwavering commitment to ethical governance and his pivotal role in investigations such as the “Mamasapano” clash in Mindanao and the “Ninja Cops” scandal.