Mayors’ group expresses support for Magalong after ICI resignation

The Mayors for Good Governance on Sunday expressed its support for Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong who resigned as special adviser of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. formed to probe alleged anomalies in flood control projects and other infrastructure.

“We, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), proudly affirm our full and unwavering support for Mayor Benjamin "Benjie" Magalong of Baguio City. His distinguished track record is proof that integrity, courage, and independence are not negotiable, but the essential foundation of true leadership,” the group said.

“As Mayor of Baguio, he has consistently defended the common good against entrenched interests. He has acted decisively to regulate overdevelopment, protect the city’s environment, and confront corruption across Baguio and the Cordillera, always placing accountability above personal and political gain,” it added.

A total of 67 incumbent and former mayors, vice mayors, governors, vice governors and a congressman belonging to the M4GG, of which Magalong co-founded, signed the document. 

Among the signatories are Pasig City’s Vico Sotto, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and former vice president and current Naga Mayor Leni Robredo.    

“At the national level, Mayor Magalong has consistently chosen integrity even in the face of intimidation and pressure. He led the Board of Inquiry on the Mamasapano tragedy with independence, rejecting attempts to alter the final report. He courageously exposed the "ninja cops" controversy, prioritizing principle over personal or institutional loyalty. He has faced these battles head-on, often at great personal risk,” the statement said.

Magalong’s resignation came after Malacañang announced that Marcos would have the legal team review if his designation was proper. 

According to the M4GG, “At a time when public trust in institutions is eroded, Mayor Magalong is living proof that leaders of character still exist: those who put people above politics, justice above self-interest, and service above ambition.”

“We, the members of M4GG, affirm our complete confidence in Mayor Benjamin Magalong. We call on all who believe in integrity and accountability to recognize and support his steadfast commitment to good governance,” it said. —RF, GMA Integrated News