Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s Evidence on Corruption
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) director and current Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong stands firm on his claims of public fund misuse, Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st District Representative Ronaldo Puno said. According to Puno, Magalong would not make such allegations without solid proof, highlighting the importance of the four-word keyphrase public fund misuse claims early in this discussion.
Puno, who once led the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), emphasized that Magalong’s background as a Special Action Force (SAF) operator and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief equips him with the expertise to gather concrete evidence. “Mayor Magalong is a gentleman, principled man. He doesn’t bluff. If he says there’s a name, he has a name. If he says he knows the details, he has the details,” Puno shared.
Magalong’s Allegations on Lawmakers and Corruption
In a recent interview following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, Magalong revealed that lawmakers influence the appointment of district and regional engineers within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This influence, he said, facilitates collusion among lawmakers, engineering officials, and contractors, fostering corrupt practices.
Magalong mentioned that contractors and sources have informed him that lawmakers receive as much as 35 to 40 percent of contract prices, averaging around 30 percent. He also noted irregularities such as excavation sites dug only one meter deep instead of the required six meters, indicating misuse of funds.
Anticipation for Formal Inquiry and Case Build-up
Deputy Speaker Puno expressed eagerness for a formal inquiry where Magalong can present his evidence. He believes the mayor has already compiled a case, given the specific figures and details mentioned. “Mayor Magalong comes from the CIDG, where evidence is always prepared for filing cases,” Puno explained.
“He has been mentioning percentages and precise details about project execution, which shows he has substantial information ready. I am waiting, and I am excited to hear what he has to say,” the official added.
House Public Accounts Committee Invites Magalong
House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson and Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon said the panel could invite Magalong to shed light on these allegations. The committee is currently reviewing infrastructure programs, particularly flood control projects, a key focus in the recent Sona.
Ridon noted they would commend Magalong if he can identify the lawmakers involved in such schemes, underlining the seriousness of the four-word keyphrase public fund misuse claims in ongoing investigations.
Presidential Warning and Corruption Concerns
President Marcos Jr. strongly condemned officials and contractors who allegedly took kickbacks from flood control projects, calling such acts shameful. This stern warning comes amid concerns raised by Senator Panfilo Lacson, a longtime ally of Magalong, who suggested that nearly half of the nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011 may have been lost to corruption.
Budget Realignments and Political Accountability
Puno also addressed the controversial changes in the 2025 national budget, particularly the P74 billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). He asserted that these realignments were not made by the House of Representatives. While agreeing with Lacson that such budget shifts may be illegal, Puno pointed out that the House version of the budget maintained the PhilHealth subsidy but reduced allocations for public works.
He and his colleagues in the National Unity Party are determined to identify those responsible for budget realignments, especially the increases in the Department of Public Works and Highways budget, before the 2026 national budget deliberations begin.
For more news and updates on public fund misuse claims, visit Filipinokami.com.
