The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has issued a commendation letter to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who recently resigned over a controversial party gathering he and his wife have attended.
Hosted by popular Filipino TV and radio host and eventologist Tim Yap, the party held at a popular hotel in Baguio City became controversial when a video footage of the event was leaked and shared in social-media that eventually went viral.
Party-goers that include Magalong and his wife, along with actress KC Conception, were criticized by netizens for violating the minimum health protocols prescribed the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
“The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) expresses its strong support to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, LCP’s focal mayor for Anti-Criminality and Illegal Drugs. We laud his solid leadership as the Covid-19 Contact Tracing Czar in formulating a comprehensive and systematic contract tracing approach, while engaging and empowering various local governments with Baguio City’s innovative ICT solutions,” the statement of support emailed to the BusinessMirror stated.
Signed by LCP National President and Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, the LCP said under Magalong’s clear direction as the city mayor, Baguio City managed to reduce Covid-19 transmissions consistently.
“The city was allowed to gradually reopen its local economy while still following health protocols. As a true leader, Mayor Magalong has exerted earnest efforts to facilitate the quick recovery of Baguio City, which has been lauded nationwide as a best practice,” it says.
Such feats, according to the LCP, demonstrates Magalong’s dedication to service and excellence.
“LCP is aware of Mayor Magalong’s recent involvement in a social gathering wherein lapses in protocols were observed. His participation was intended to show his gratitude to several business groups that continuously helped the city recover and boost its local tourism. We want to draw attention to Mayor Magalong’s actions after the event, which is a clearer reflection of his humility and integrity,” the statement read.
LCP pointed out that Magalong admitted his lapses, sanctioned and fined those involved, including his wife and humbly opened himself to an investigation.
“In his resignation letter as the Contact Tracing Czar, he expressed that he understood that he is expected to be held at a higher standard as a public servant and a member of the National Task Force against Covid-19. We commend his strong commitment to accountability and justice that serves as a beacon of hope to his fellow city mayors and other public servants. LCP expresses its utmost support and unwavering faith in the leadership of Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong. We are truly proud of his honesty, dedication, and true service to the country,” LCP said.