‘RETURN OF THE JED’: Marcos Grants Clemency to Mabilog But Challenges Remain

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, relieving him of administrative penalties but not absolving him of criminal liabilities.

The seven-page resolution, dated Jan. 15, 2025, and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, highlighted Mabilog’s achievements as mayor.

These included his recognition as a Top 5 World Mayor and Livable Cities Champion, as well as Iloilo City’s accolades, such as Red Orchid awards, the Seal of Good Local Governance, Top 10 Next Wave Cities, and the title of Most Livable City, among others.

“In view of former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s longstanding commitment to good governance, coupled with awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under 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,” Bersamin stated.

Mabilog’s lawyer, Jeric Jucaban, hailed the clemency as a significant victory for the embattled former mayor.

“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 in a Facebook post on Monday.

“Many doubted that this day would come and criticized our efforts along the way. But we never wavered. We stood strong, united, and committed, proving that perseverance and faith can indeed move mountains,” he added.

Mabilog held a Mass at his residence, joined by his closest supporters, including the SULONG-GUGMA slate led by him and lone district Representative Julienne Baronda.

Speaking to the press afterward, Mabilog shared his intention to campaign for the slate while stepping away from politics for the next three years. He also expressed a desire to visit his family in the United States.

He hinted at a potential political comeback in 2028, saying only, “Wait for what is going to happen.”

Mabilog clarified that his primary motive for seeking clemency was to clear his name, while his decision to run in the 2025 elections was a “last-ditch effort.”

“We returned so I could tell my story. You know I have been judged and treated unfairly. To restore my integrity and that of the Mabilog family, I accepted the invitation of the [House of Representatives’] QuadComm to tell my story [last] September 19,” he said.

The former mayor also revealed plans to travel to Manila to personally thank Marcos for granting clemency.

CRIMINAL CASE

Despite the clemency, legal challenges remain for Mabilog.

The executive clemency only removed administrative penalties stemming from the Sandiganbayan’s Oct. 23, 2017 decision, which found him guilty of Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

Mabilog’s lawyer explained that the clemency restored his rights to vote and to be elected or appointed to government positions.

However, it does not impact criminal charges filed by the Ombudsman in 2023.

The pending case alleges violations of Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for financial interests tied to a towing company contracted by the city government during Mabilog’s term as mayor.

“[The clemency] has no effect [on the criminal case]. It has a persuasive effect, but the Sandiganbayan is not bound to dismiss the case on the basis of the clemency,” Jucaban told Daily Guardian in a phone interview.