Magalong quits as contact tracing czar; COVID-19 task force rejects

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has resigned as the government’s contact tracing czar but the COVID-19 task force rejected it, Malacañang said Friday.

“Mayor Magalong’s resignation, however, has not been accepted. He continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the leadership of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

The Palace earlier said Magalong still enjoys the trust of President Rodrigo Duterte despite criticisms over his attendance to eventologist Tim Yap’s birthday celebration where COVID-19 protocols were allegedly not followed.

Magalong said he and his wife attended the event to thank Yap and his group for providing assistance to Baguio's struggling artists, as well as promoting and applauding the city's tourism and COVID-19 response.

He admitted that health protocols were violated during the party held at The Manor at Camp John Hay in Baguio on January 17, as some attendees failed to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

In a letter addressed to NTF chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. dated January 28, Magalong said he should have done an “immediate spot correction of the errors” that he witnessed during the event.

“Much as I have given my best to discharge my duties for the Task Force, this incident has been a reminder that a higher standard is always expected of me,” the mayor said.

“It pains me to see my family, and my constituents, in anguish over this but I am committed to hold myself accountable and do what is necessary to rectify this misstep.”

The city government is investigating the incident.

Magalong, a retired police general, said he was “ready” and “willing” to cooperate should the NTF or the Department of the Interior and Local Government find it necessary to launch an investigation over his actions.  —KBK, GMA News