No ill feelings towards Marcos after ICI exit – Magalong

Baguio City, Philippines - Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said he harbors no ill feelings toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following his resignation as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying he still supports the administration’s anti-corruption campaign.

“Ay wala. Alam mo, napakabait ng ating presidente. I saw the sincerity. I saw the professionalism. At maganda yung pakikitungo sa akin ni presidente,” Magalong said in an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus on Thursday, Oct. 23.

[Translation; None at all. The president is very kind. I saw his sincerity, professionalism, and how well he treated me.]

“Nalungkot lang ako na talagang gusto ko man magtrabaho sa kanya, pero ito naman ang nangyari,” he added.

[Translation: I just felt sad because I really wanted to work for him, but this is what happened.]

Magalong stepped down from the ICI in September, citing Palace pronouncements that “undermined the role and mandate entrusted” to him.

He said he decided to leave the post after watching the Sept. 26 Palace press briefing, where Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that he was an adviser—not an investigator—of the commission.

“Kung hindi mo rin lang ako pag-iimbestigahin, anong gamit ko sa ICI? Useless lang ako doon,” he said.

[Translation: I’m not even allowed to investigate, what’s my use in the ICI? I’d just be useless there.)

He also denied receiving any financial compensation from the body.

Magalong said he submitted his resignation letter through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and informed Secretary Vince Dizon, who tried to convince him to reconsider.

“Kinakausap nga niya ako na kung pwede, huwag ko ituloy. Pero I’ve made up my mind. I’ve decided. So alam mo, if I decide, wala nang atrasan niyan,” he said.

[Translation: He was trying to convince me not to proceed. But once I’ve decided, there’s no turning back.]

Magalong added that he continues to support the government’s efforts against corruption, albeit behind the scenes.

The ICI was created by Marcos to investigate corruption and anomalies in public infrastructure projects across the country.

Magalong’s resignation came after questions were raised about his authority to lead investigations while serving as Baguio City mayor. Despite the controversy, he maintained respect for the president and emphasized his desire to see the ICI continue its work.