A coalition of local chief executives across the Philippines has expressed full support for Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong in a statement issued on September 28.
Magalong resigned on September 27 from his post as special adviser to the Independent Commission Infrastructure (ICI), the government body investigating infrastructure projects.
Citing his consistent track record in fighting corruption and promoting good governance, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), representing local leaders from different regions, emphasized Magalong’s courage and integrity in public service.
The group specifically highlighted his efforts to protect Baguio’s environment from overdevelopment and his nationwide anti-corruption advocacy.
“Mayor Magalong has consistently chosen integrity even in the face of intimidation and pressure,” the M4GG statement read. “His compass has always been the truth.”
The group pointed to Magalong’s key roles in major national investigations, including his leadership in the Mamasapano tragedy inquiry and his exposure of the “ninja cops” controversy.
According to the mayors’ group, these actions demonstrate that Magalong “cannot be bought, bullied, or swayed by favors or threats.”
The statement comes at a time when public trust in institutions remains a concern.
M4GG described Magalong as “living proof that leaders of character still exist” – those who prioritize people over politics and justice over self-interest.
The coalition affirmed their “complete confidence” in Magalong and called on other supporters of good governance to recognize his contributions to ethical leadership. — iNewsPH.com
