Jed Mabilog on executive clemency: Vindication for all wrongful cases, triumph of justice

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Mabilog on Monday said the executive clemency granted to him is not only a vindication for the ''wrongful cases'' filed against him but a triumph of justice. 

In a press statement, Mabilog expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. for granting clemency on the administrative case filed against him. 

''I am personally grateful to God and Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for granting me this executive clemency,'' he said.

''This serves not just as a vindication for the wrongful and deceitful cases filed against me but as the triumph of justice in this country,'' he added. 

Mabilog said his seven years of ''exile'' taught him lessons such as the importance of love and integrity in building and rebuilding the community.

''This administration upholds justice, which people like me, who are unjustly accused, can somehow be confident to avail themselves of vindication,'' he said.

Earlier in the day, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the granting of executive clemency was in view of Mabilog's long standing commitment to good governance, coupled with awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under his leadership.

Bersamin said Marcos has granted Mabilog's petition for executive clemency ''in connection with his administrative case, thereby removing the penalties or disabilities resulting from such case.''

Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, for his part, said the pardon granted on Mabilog was a ''reward for attacking and besmirching the integrity and reputation of former Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is a critic of the administration.''

In 2016, Duterte included Mabilog in the drug watch list. Mabilog has since maintained his innocence, saying he found his inclusion in the list "very unfortunate and disconcerting."—AOL, GMA Integrated News