Malacañang confirmed on Monday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City mayor Jed Mabilog.
“Yes, that’s true,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said when asked about the clemency during a briefing.
In a statement, Bersamin cited Mabilog’s commitment to good governance and the recognition Iloilo City received during his tenure as reasons for the clemency. He added that the clemency resolves the penalties imposed on Mabilog due to an administrative case.
Background on the Case
The clemency pertains to the 2017 decision by the Office of the Ombudsman, which dismissed Mabilog from office for serious dishonesty. The case stemmed from his failure to explain P8.9 million in alleged questionable wealth accumulated between 2012 and 2013.
With the clemency, Bersamin confirmed that Mabilog is now eligible to run for public office again.
However, Mabilog still faces a separate graft case before the Sandiganbayan. Filed in 2023, the case involves allegations that he and councilor Plaridel Nava II intervened in the awarding of a government contract to a towing service firm they were allegedly connected to. Mabilog posted bail for the graft charges in September 2024.
Duterte’s Allegations
Mabilog had been accused of involvement in illegal drugs during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, who included him in a drug watchlist in 2016. Mabilog has consistently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and disconcerting.
Bersamin dismissed the relevance of Duterte’s allegations, saying, “Whether that is true or not, that is irrelevant now.”
Mabilog Speaks on Clemency
In a statement, Mabilog expressed gratitude to President Marcos, calling the clemency a vindication from the “wrongful and deceitful” cases filed against him.
“I am personally grateful to God and President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for granting me this executive clemency,” Mabilog said. “This serves not just as a vindication but as the triumph of justice in this country.”
Reflecting on his seven years in exile, Mabilog highlighted the lessons of love, integrity, and community building.
Criticism of Clemency
Former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo criticized the clemency, suggesting it was a “reward” for Mabilog’s alleged attacks on former President Duterte, a known critic of the Marcos administration.
Despite the differing perspectives, the clemency marks a significant turn in Mabilog’s legal and political journey.