ILOILO City – The executive clemency granted to former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the administration’s acknowledgment of outstanding public service and good governance.
Mabilog, who left the country in 2017 amid safety concerns following accusations by former President Rodrigo Duterte, was praised for his exemplary leadership during his tenure.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin cited Mabilog’s achievements, including a 2016 recognition from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for Iloilo City’s anti-drug abuse campaign.
The recognition was just one of 11 awards Iloilo City received under Mabilog’s administration from 2010 to 2017, reflecting his commitment to effective governance, community development, and innovative leadership.
Bersamin noted that Mabilog’s dedication to good governance and community welfare was instrumental in the President’s decision.
Bersamin explained that these accomplishments heavily influenced the President’s decision to grant clemency, which removes penalties and disabilities related to Mabilog’s administrative case.
Palace stressed the pardon not only restores Mabilog’s political rights but also serves as a testament to the Marcos administration’s support for public officials who champion transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance.
After his self-imposed exile to the United States in 2017, Mabilog faced a turbulent legal and political journey. His dismissal from public office was triggered by allegations of unexplained wealth amounting to P8.98 million, which led the Office of the Ombudsman to remove him from his post.
The case, which stemmed from accusations of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, resulted in Mabilog’s perpetual disqualification from holding public office. This decision was upheld with finality by the Court of Appeals (CA) in 2018.
Despite these setbacks, Mabilog maintained his innocence, asserting that his wealth was legitimate and accounted for.
In 2021, the CA reversed its earlier ruling of a lifetime ban, clearing him of administrative charges linked to accusations of ill-gotten wealth made by convicted libelist Manuel Mejorada.
Mabilog’s recent pardon by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. effectively removes the penalties from his administrative case, granting him an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and re-enter public service.
In a seven-page resolution dated January 15, 2025, Executive Secretary Bersamin outlined Mabilog’s notable track record of governance and achievements during his tenure as mayor from 2010 to 2017.
The resolution emphasized the city’s significant progress and recognition under Mabilog’s leadership, citing numerous awards and accomplishments that reflect his dedication to good governance.
These include the World Mayor Prize in 2014, which ranked Mabilog in Top 5 globally.
Iloilo City was also recognized in the Asian Development Bank Livable Cities Champion for urban development.
The city also won the Gold Award at the 2010 International Livable Communities Award and a Special Project Award in 2011.
It also received the Red Orchid Award in 2012, 2013, and 2014 for anti-smoking initiatives.
Iloilo City was also awarded by the DILG as the Best Performing City in Region VI from 2012 to 2014. It was also granted the Seal of Good Local Governance in 2015 and 2016.
Iloilo City was also included in the Top 10 Next Wave Cities in 2010 and 2012 by the Department of Science and Technology and the Business Processing Association of the Philippines.
The Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. also awarded Iloilo City as Most Business Friendly City in 2014.
In addition, the city government achieved first place among highly urbanized cities in 2013 and 2015.
Iloilo City was also recognized as the Most Livable City in the Livable City Design Competition by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines./PN
