Marcos grants clemency to ex-Iloilo mayor Jed Mabilog
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 11:35 a.m.) — The Palace confirmed Monday, January 27, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog, who was accused by former President Rodrigo Duterte of involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Asked about the clemency, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin simply responded, "Yes," in a Viber message to reporters.
“That’s true,” Bersamin confirmed.
In a formal statement released later, Bersamin said that “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.”
In a Facebook post, Mabilog’s legal counsel, Jeric Jucaban, thanked Marcos.
“A heartfelt thank you to President Bongbong Marcos for granting clemency to former Mayor Jed Mabilog. This incredible news represents not only a new chapter for Mayor Mabilog and his family but also validation for those who believed in justice and second chances,” Jucaban said.
Attached to the post was the resolution for Mabilog’s petition for clemency.
The document detailed former Duterte’s accusation against Mabilog, followed by the Ombudsman’s order for his dismissal after he was found guilty of Serious Dishonesty for failing to explain an P8.9 million increase in his wealth.
“In view of Mabilog’s long-standing commitment to good governance, coupled with the awards and recognition received by Iloilo under his leadership, his Office finds the grant of the Petition warranted. Wherefore, premises considered, the instant Petition for executive clemency and removal of administrative penalties for disabilities filed by Jed Patrick E. Mabilog is hereby granted,” the document said.
The document, dated Jan. 15, 2025, was signed by Bersamin himself.
When asked to confirm the documents posted by Jucaban, Bersamin confirmed their legitimacy.
Reporters have requested the full official document from the Palace, which Bersamin said will be released later.
What happened before. Mabilog drew the ire of Duterte, who publicly accused the former mayor of being a drug protector and placed him on the drug watch list. However, law enforcement agencies later admitted that Mabilog should not have been included.
In a congressional hearing, Mabilog testified that he had been pressured to implicate opposition figures, including former Senator Frank Drilon and former presidential candidate Mar Roxas.
After seeking asylum in the United States, Mabilog returned to the Philippines in 2024 under a new president.
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