Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed his legal team to study the implications of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong's concurrent role as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malaca±ang said on Friday. The move was made due to possible conflict of interest and constitutional concerns over Magalong's involvement in ICI while serving as an incumbent local official.

According to Philippines News Agency, issues have also surfaced regarding an allegedly anomalous tennis court project in Baguio City, linked to the St. Gerrard property owned by the controversial Discaya family. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that Magalong was appointed by Marcos solely as special adviser to the ICI and not as its lead investigator or member.

Castro added that Magalong holds no investigative powers over the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), which fall under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). She noted that concerns were raised about Magalong's ability to fulfill his mayoral duties due to his advisory role with the ICI.

'Nadinig po din natin ang kagalang-galang na Mayor Magalong na nauubusan na yata siya or busy siya or kinukulang na ang oras niya sa Baguio City dahil busy siya sa ICI (We also heard Mayor Magalong say he's been running out of time or he lacks time for his duties in Baguio City due to his involvement in ICI),' she said. Castro emphasized that President Marcos Jr. prioritizes the needs of Baguio City's residents and does not want Magalong to neglect his responsibilities.

Castro also stressed that as a special adviser, Magalong is not expected to focus heavily on ICI's affairs. 'Dahil siya po ay special adviser hindi naman po niya kinakailangan na ubusin ang oras sa ICI dahil hindi po siya miyembro ng ICI (Since he is merely a special adviser and not a member of the ICI, he is not expected to devote most of his time to ICI matters),' she said.