PALACE Press Officer Claire Castro on Thursday appealed to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to refrain from fueling intrigues over his resignation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying she had no role in his decision to step down.
“This will be my last time addressing these issues,” Castro said in Filipino during a Palace briefing.
“Hindi ko po saklaw ang kanyang damdamin; siya po ang boluntaryong nag-resign, hindi naman siya pinagre-resign. Wala akong saklaw sa kanyang mga desisyon,” he said.
Castro clarified that her earlier statement—that Magalong was appointed as special adviser and not as lead investigator—was based on guidance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“My pronouncement on September 26 ay galing sa pangulo. Wag pong mag-intriga na may ibang nag-utos sa akin. Iwasan natin mag-intriga kung maapektuhan po ay ang pangulo” she said.
“The President is simply following the law. We cannot make decisions to please everyone if they contradict the law or the President’s pronouncements,” Castro added.
Magalong earlier said Castro’s remarks undermined his authority within the ICI, prompting him to resign on September 27. In his letter to Marcos, he said the Palace’s statements “ran contrary” to the terms of his appointment and “cast doubt on the independence” of the ICI.
Following his resignation, former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was appointed as special adviser and investigator to the commission.
