Malacañang confirmed on Monday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who had consistently denied allegations of involvement in any drug trade after being included in former President Rodrigo Duterte's "narco-list."
In an official statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that President Marcos Jr. granted executive clemency to Mabilog in recognition of his long-standing commitment to good governance, as well as the awards and recognition Iloilo City received during his leadership.
"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," said Bersamin.
The former mayor was charged with graft, along with Councilor Plaridel Nava II, by the Sandiganbayan for their alleged involvement in the awarding of a government contract to a towing services firm in which they were believed to have an interest.
Furthermore, the Ombudsman later dismissed Mabilog from his post for graft, issuing a ruling that included the cancellation of his civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and a ban on taking civil service examinations.
In September 2024, Mabilog returned to the Philippines after seven years in exile in the United States.
During a congressional hearing, Mabilog revealed that he felt compelled to leave and avoid returning to the Philippines due to being targeted by baseless political accusations and, more importantly, receiving threats to both his life and his family's safety.
Former President Duterte included Mabilog in the "narco list," which contains the names of prominent public officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
Mabilog then emphasized that politics was behind his inclusion on the list, pointing out that in the 2016 election, Duterte received only 13.7 percent of the votes in Iloilo City, his lowest percentage.
