Magalong says he is ready for investigation

BAGUIO CITY– A day after a Baguio City lady councilor announced that she filed graft and corruption against him, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong in the afternoon said he is open to investigation.

This is in connection with the cases slapped before the Office of the Ombudsman by Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon on the issue of the acquisition of a lot intended for socialized housing in Topinao, Tuba, Benguet. The councilor accused the mayor of violating RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices, and RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards.

Yaranon claimed that there was no mention of buying a lot in Sitio Topinao in the documents they approved. The lot costs P95,377,000.00.

Yaranon insists that the City Council did not approve any ordinance allowing the mayor for the said Deed of Absolute Sale. She said that Magalong persisted in signing the deed and allowed the City Government to pay the lot in full even if the seller was willing to a 50% down payment and the remaining 50% balance be paid in 24 equal monthly installments.

Magalong said he would face the charges and answer the claims in what he said in the interest of truth and justice. "I welcome the development to determine who is telling the truth. I have nothing to hide. All the documents are open for their scrutiny since it has always been our thrust to have an open government," the mayor said.