ILOILO City – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, effectively absolving him of administrative liabilities tied to his alleged P8.98-million unexplained wealth.
In a seven-page resolution dated Jan. 15, 2025, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, acting by authority of the President, cited Mabilog’s numerous local and international awards and his commitment to good governance as key reasons for the decision.
The resolution also highlighted the achievements of Iloilo City under Mabilog’s leadership, acknowledging his role in promoting transparency and excellence in governance.
“In view of Mabilog’s long standing commitment to good governance, coupled with the awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under his leadership, this Office finds the grant of the petition warranted,” the resolution stated.
The unconditional presidential pardon removes the administrative sanctions from his conviction, paving the way for Mabilog’s potential return to public service or other endeavors.
Mabilog, along with the entire slate of Team Sulong Gugma, led by Iloilo City’s Cong. Julienne Baronda and vice mayoral aspirant Julie “Love-love” Baronda, attended a thanksgiving mass at the Mabilog residence in Molo district yesterday morning.
In an emotional press briefing, Mabilog expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God, his family, colleagues, and supporters for standing by him throughout his journey. He revealed that he received the resolution from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday last week, January 24.
According to Mabilog, it was his wife, Marivic, who opened the envelope in front of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
He described how he was overcome with emotion as he stood beside her, shedding tears of relief and joy upon learning that the Office of the President had granted his appeal for executive clemency.
“This is a moment of immense gratitude for all the blessings and second chances,” Mabilog shared, visibly moved during the interview.
While Mabilog confirmed his intention to return to public office in 2028, he refrained from specifying the position he might pursue.
For now, he emphasized that his focus is on helping Team Sulong Gugma secure victory in this year’s midterm elections, aiming to win a majority for their political slate.
For her part, Baronda shared her overwhelming emotions after learning about the executive clemency granted to Mabilog.
“I was at a loss for words when I heard the news,” Baronda said, recalling the moment she was informed of the decision.
“We are thankful to the real friends of Mayor Jed and to God for giving him the strength. In the past seven years, I have witnessed the sacrifices he endured and how he kept his strength through God, his family, and his supporters.”
Baronda expressed her belief that the granting of executive clemency marked a moment of vindication for Mabilog.
“Justice has finally been served,” she said, emphasizing the significance of the swift issuance of clemency. “I think this is the fastest-issued executive clemency ever granted to a public official.”
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to President Marcos Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and other officials who recognized and appreciated Mabilog’s contributions to Iloilo City.
“Mayor Jed served Iloilo City with passion, love, and dedication,” Baronda added, underscoring her admiration for Mabilog’s commitment to public service.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Trenas congratulated Mabilog and his family for such executive pardon. “May this serve as a new chapter of peace and hope for them,” said Treñas.
Mabilog, who fled the country in 2017 after being linked to illegal drugs by former President Rodrigo Duterte, was initially dismissed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman due to allegations of his alleged P8.98 million unexplained wealth.
The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed with finality Mabilog’s dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
In a resolution, the CA former special 16th division affirmed its August 2018 ruling dismissing Mabilog’s motion to reverse the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision finding him guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
In 2021, however, the appeals court reversed the lifetime ban of Mabilog from public office, as it absolved him in an administrative case relative to accusations of ill-gotten wealth hurled by libel convict Manuel Mejorada./PN
