Manila: Malacañang confirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has granted former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog executive clemency. Mabilog's camp announced Monday morning that Marcos has granted him executive clemency. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed this in a text message to reporters. In a separate statement, Bersamin said penalties or disabilities in connection with his administrative case will be removed. Mabilog was dismissed in 2017 for misconduct and dishonesty. According to Philippines News Agency, in view of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog's longstanding commitment to good governance, coupled with awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under his leadership, the President granted Mabilog's petition for executive clemency in connection with his administrative case, thereby removing the penalties or disabilities resulting from such case, Bersamin said. He was also included in then-president Rodrigo Duterte's controversial 'narcolist,' an accusation he has vehe mently denied. However, no charges were ever filed against him regarding illegal drugs. Fearing for his life, Mabilog went on a self-imposed exile and only returned to the country after seven years. On Sept. 19, 2024, Mabilog appeared in a congressional hearing in a bid to clear his name from the allegations of drug ties. Mabilog is facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly meddling with the awarding of a government contract to a towing services firm in which he and a former Iloilo City councilor allegedly have a vested interest. In a media interview, Bersamin said Malacañang 'found justification' in Mabilog's declaration that he was unable to explain questions on his wealth, which led to his eventual dismissal, because he was away from the country at the time. 'He was also forced to leave the country because of a threat on his life, that he perceived coming from the national leadership at that time,' Bersamin said. With the executive clemency granted, Mabilog is now allowed to r un for public office, he said.