Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog called the grant of executive clemency to a triumph of justice.
In a statement, Mabilog expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pardoning him in his administrative cases.
“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 said in a statement.
The former mayor added that his seven years of exile in the United States taught him lessons to build and rebuild the community “with love and integrity.”
“This administration upholds justice, which people like me, who are unjustly accused, can somehow be confident to avail themselves of vindication,” he added.
The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Mabilog on Oct. 23, 2017, for serious dishonesty over his questionable wealth.
The Ombudsman also ordered the cancellation of Mabilog’s civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and prohibition from taking civil service examinations.
Duterte reputation
Former Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Sal Panelo said that the pardon was an attack on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s reputation.
“The pardon granted to Mabilog on his administrative, obviously, is a reward for attacking and besmirching the integrity and reputation of former Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is a critic of the administration,” he said.
Duterte included Mabilog in the “narco politicians” list in 2016. Mabilog left the country in 2017 fearing for his life.
