By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog as undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed to reporters that former Mayor Mabilog is now part of the DILG, which is tasked with promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety, and strengthening the local government units.
Before his new designation, Mabilog served as the special adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In 2016, Mabilog was implicated by former President Rodrigo Duterte in the illegal drug trade. He was included in Duterte’s so-called narco-list, which contains the names of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
Mabilog was dismissed in 2017 for serious dishonesty due to his alleged failure to account for the unexplained increase of P8.9 million in his wealth, which led to administrative penalties and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
After facing threats to his life due to the allegations hurled at him, Mabilog went into a self-imposed exile in the United States and only returned to the Philippines in September 2024.
Mabilog attended a congressional hearing upon returning home to clear his name.
In January 2025, President Marcos Jr. granted Mabilog executive clemency, removing penalties arising from his administrative case, effectively restoring his political rights and enabling him to run again for public office.
Mabilog’s exemplary record in governance, his leadership achievements, and the awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under his leadership were cited as justification for clemency. (PNA)
