Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who was implicated by the Duterte administration to the drug trade, was appointed by President Bongbong Marcos as undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Mabilog took his his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday, May 13. His main responsibility is to oversee concerns related to public safety.
“His experience in local government will be a valuable asset in the department. Furthermore, the injustice he went through will fuel his desire to level the playing field in local governance. Not revenge but reform,” Remulla said.
Mabilog thanked Marcos for his appointment, saying: “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust and confidence given to me by President.”
As a government official, Mabilog assured that he will “work diligently, fairly, and faithfully for the best interest of the Filipino people,” and vowed to improve safety programs and strengthen governance under the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
“I will dedicate myself to strengthening public safety systems, promoting integrity and accountability in government service, and supporting responsive and effective governance,” he said.
Mabilog left the country in 2017 and sought sought asylum in the United States for fear of his life after he was repeatedly accused then president President Rodrigo Duterte as a “drug protector” without presenting evidence.
The Ilonggo politician returned to the Philippines in 2024 to clear his name from the allegations of drug ties. He attended a congressional hearing to share his “traumatic” experience.
He was granted executive clemency by Marcos last year, removing penalties arising from his administrative case, effectively restoring his political rights and enabling him to run again for public office. IMT
