BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on 5 January 2026 called for a renewed fight against corruption, warning that dishonest officials have become bolder, with corruption escalating from millions to billions of pesos.

Speaking during the city government’s first flag-raising ceremony of the year, Magalong said the country’s persistent inefficiencies and lack of accountability are deeply rooted in a culture of corruption that continues to erode public trust. He noted that a series of exposés over the past year had uncovered what he described as some of the worst corruption scandals in Philippine history.

Magalong recalled the skepticism that greeted his anti-corruption campaign when it was launched four years ago. While the movement initially gained limited support, he said recent revelations have validated the push for integrity in governance. He criticized bureaucrats and politicians who have grown increasingly brazen in their illicit activities, observing that “they have increased their standards in stealing,” and urged the public not to remain complacent despite the slow pace of justice.

The mayor stressed that the fight for accountability is far from over and issued a warning ahead of the 2028 elections. He said failure to learn from past scandals could have serious consequences for the country.

“Our actions now set the standard and pave the way for the next generation of leaders who will face challenges we may not foresee now but who will benefit from the systems, from the values, and the resilience that we leave behind,” he said.

Magalong framed the current administration’s efforts as a blueprint for future leaders, emphasizing that strong values and resilient systems will serve as their primary defense. Acknowledging the inevitability of political opposition, he encouraged public servants to view criticism constructively, saying that even detractors can reveal “silver linings” and opportunities for growth.

He described governance not as a pursuit of personal power, but as a “higher call” that places collective integrity above individual interests. Magalong added that “Good Governance” should go beyond being a political slogan and instead be reflected in concrete policies and programs.

He outlined a vision in which every peso of public funds is used strictly for the public good—enhancing social services, keeping communities safe, and protecting the environment—not for political gain, but for the long-term sustainability of the City of Pines.

The mayor concluded by calling for a year of “courageous, just, and efficient” work, urging city government employees to become a national example of integrity and innovation. He encouraged them to return to their offices with a “renewed sense of purpose,” reminding them that building a resilient Baguio City is a daily responsibility.