Malacañang confirmed on Monday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
“Yes, that’s true,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told reporters when asked about the matter.
In a separate statement, Bersamin explained that the clemency was granted in recognition of Mabilog’s longstanding commitment to good governance and the awards and achievements Iloilo City garnered under his leadership.
The executive clemency addresses Mabilog’s administrative case, lifting the penalties and disabilities resulting from it. This decision pertains to the Office of the Ombudsman’s ruling on October 23, 2017, which dismissed Mabilog from service after finding him guilty of serious dishonesty for failing to account for alleged unexplained wealth amounting to P8.9 million from 2012 to 2013.
When asked if the clemency restores Mabilog’s eligibility to run for public office, Bersamin responded affirmatively.
Ongoing Legal Issues
Despite the clemency, Mabilog still faces a separate graft charge before the Sandiganbayan. Filed in 2023 by the Office of the Ombudsman, the case involves Mabilog and Councilor Plaridel Nava II, who allegedly intervened in awarding a government towing service contract to a firm in which they had personal interests.
Mabilog posted bail in September 2024 for the graft charge.
Background
In 2016, former President Rodrigo Duterte included Mabilog in his drug watch list, a claim that Mabilog has consistently denied, calling his inclusion “very unfortunate and disconcerting.”
This executive clemency marks a significant development in Mabilog’s political and legal journey, potentially paving the way for his return to public service.