Magalong denies 2028 tandem with Duterte

Baguio City, Philippines - Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Friday dismissed speculation linking him to a possible tandem in the 2028 elections with Vice President Sara Duterte, saying he has never even spoken to her.

“Ako nga, nagulat nga ako doon eh. I’ve never talked to Vice President Sara. We never talked. We never engaged. Wala kaming meetings na ganyan na nangyari. Walang feelers, walang mga pasabi,” Magalong said in an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: I was surprised. I’ve never talked to Vice President Sara. We’ve never met or exchanged messages. There were no feelers or attempts to reach out.]

“Nothing whatsoever. And that’s the truth,” he added.

Asked if he was considering any national post after finishing his final term as mayor, Magalong said his focus remains his advocacy.

“Alam mo, nakafocus kami sa promotion ng good governance... at the same time, in this fight sa corruption,” he said.

[Translation: You know, we’re focused on promoting good governance and fighting corruption.]

He dismissed political talk as a distraction.

“Pag inisip mo yung mga ganyan, ma-outfocus ka lang,” he said. [Translation: If you think about those things, you’ll lose focus.]

Not a DDS

Magalong also rejected claims that he is a supporter or protector of the Dutertes.

“Nakakalungkot naman isipin. Again, talagang panira,” he said.

[Translation: It’s sad to think about. It’s clearly just meant to destroy my reputation.]

He explained that his previous work with former President Rodrigo Duterte was purely professional during his time in the Philippine National Police.

“Does that make me a DDS {Diehard Duterte Supporter)? E nagtrabaho lang naman ako,” he said.

[Translation: Does that make me a DDS? I was just doing my job.]

Asked if he ever protected the Dutertes from corruption allegations, Magalong said, “Ay hindi. Kung nagkamali ka, ako pa. Kung nagkamali ka, maski sino ako.”

[Translation: Of course not. If you did something wrong, I’d be the first to hold you accountable, whoever you are.]

He emphasized that his anti-corruption campaign has likely angered some groups.

“Bakit ako binabanatan? Isa lang yung reason — dahil yung kampanya ko against corruption,” he said.

[Translation: Why am I being attacked? There’s only one reason — my campaign against corruption.]

Magalong confirmed receiving reports linking certain lawmakers, including Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, to alleged irregularities. However, he said he has yet to find solid evidence.

“He was mentioned… pero wala nga akong matibay na ebidensya pa,” Magalong said.

[Translation: He was mentioned, but I don’t have solid evidence yet.]