Malacañang slams Magalong’s ‘double standard’ on flood control, VP Sara

MANILA — Malacañang called out Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Tuesday, accusing him of hypocrisy for pushing the administration over its flood control probes while staying silent on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro slammed Magalong for criticizing the speed of the administration’s probe into questionable flood control projects.

Magalong’s ‘double standard’

Castro said Magalong should first examine the progress of his own investigations before criticizing the government’s anti-corruption efforts, citing his previous probes into alleged government anomalies that have yet to result in charges.

She said the government’s investigation into questionable flood control projects only intensified around September or October last year but has already led to several individuals being investigated and warrants of arrest being issued.

“Wala pa pong isang taon pero marami na po ang naimbestigahan, marami na pong na-issue na warrant of arrest at paulit-ulit na lang po ako na sinasabi ito (It has not even been a year, but many have already been investigated and several warrants of arrest have already been issued. I have said this repeatedly),” Castro said.

Castro noted that Magalong began investigating the rock netting project in Benguet in 2019, but no suspects had been named or charged after several years.

“Anim na taon ang lumipas, wala pa rin siyang nagawa tungkol sa isyu ng rock netting. So, sino po ba kaya ang mas mabagal (Six years have passed, and he still has not accomplished anything regarding the rock netting issue. So, who is actually slower)?” she said.

“Kung mayroon kakayanang mamintas at magturo, dapat ay may kakayanan ding kumilos para makatulong sa gobyerno at hindi puro pamimintas lang ang alam at pa-media (If one has the ability to criticize and point fingers, one should also have the ability to act to help the government, instead of just criticizing and going to the media),” Castro added.

Castro also questioned Magalong’s previous statements on other alleged anomalies, saying he had raised issues but had yet to identify those involved or present the results of his investigations.

She cited his statements on the so-called “30-30-30” and “7-7-7” corruption schemes, as well as his claim that 90 percent of members of the House of Representatives were corrupt.

“In other words, marami siya muling nababanggit na mga issues pero wala pa rin siyang napapangalanan (he keeps raising many issues but has yet to name anyone),” Castro said.

Castro also raised Magalong’s recent statements on alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs), saying the mayor had claimed to have information on people involved but had yet to file complaints against them.

She then contrasted this with Magalong’s response when asked about the impeachment proceedings involving Duterte.

“Dahil noong siya ay tinanong naman patungkol sa impeachment trial na kinakapalooban or involving the Vice President, ang kaniyang sinabi lamang ay (When he was asked about the impeachment trial involving the Vice President, all he said was), ‘I would like to invoke my right to remain silent,’” Castro said.

“So, parang magkaiba ang kaniyang panuntunan pagdating sa ibang tao at sa Bise Presidente (it seems he applies different standards when it comes to other people and the Vice President),” she added. (PNA)

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