Wazzup Pilipinas!?
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s recent decision to grant executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has set off a firestorm of debate across the nation. While many see it as a move toward justice, others argue it’s a political misstep with deeper implications. Among the loudest critics is Salvador Panelo, former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under Rodrigo Duterte, who labeled the pardon as a “reward” for Mabilog’s alleged defiance of Duterte’s administration.
Duterte’s Wrath: The Allegations Against Mabilog
Mabilog’s political journey took a sharp turn in 2016 when then-President Duterte publicly accused him of being a protector of drug syndicates. Duterte even placed Mabilog on the now-infamous “narco-list,” claiming he was part of the web of illegal drug operations in the country. Mabilog denied the allegations, but the public accusation led to professional isolation, political fallout, and ultimately, his exile in 2017 due to fears for his safety.
These accusations were part of Duterte’s relentless anti-drug campaign, which claimed to root out the country’s drug problem but also drew international criticism for its alleged human rights violations. Critics argue that the campaign often targeted political opponents, and Mabilog’s inclusion in the narco-list epitomized the weaponization of the drug war for political ends.
A Voice in Exile
After leaving the Philippines, Mabilog became a vocal critic of Duterte’s administration. In a 2024 hearing before the House Quad Committee, Mabilog described the Duterte administration as wielding the anti-drug campaign like a double-edged sword, eradicating drugs on one hand while silencing political dissent on the other. He recounted direct threats, coercion, and what he called “state-sponsored harassment,” which left him no choice but to flee for his family’s safety.
“The narco-list was never about justice,” Mabilog said during the hearing. “It was a tool of suppression—a silencing tactic for those who dared to question the administration.”
A Christian’s Forgiveness
Despite the hardships, Mabilog has publicly expressed forgiveness toward Duterte. “As a true Christian, I forgive him,” Mabilog stated in an interview in 2024. His focus, he said, is on moving forward rather than seeking retribution. He has also voiced support for international legal mechanisms like the International Criminal Court, trusting it to hold Duterte accountable for alleged abuses.
Mabilog’s stand reflects a desire for reconciliation, even amid unresolved tensions. However, his pardon has reignited the conversation about his alleged connection to drugs and whether the pardon undermines Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Panelo’s Criticism: A “Political Reward”?
Salvador Panelo wasted no time in criticizing President Marcos’ clemency for Mabilog. In a scathing statement, Panelo suggested that the pardon was politically motivated, claiming it was a reward for Mabilog’s opposition to Duterte. “It’s a slap in the face of Duterte’s war on drugs and an insult to the people who supported it,” Panelo remarked.
The executive clemency granted by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on January 27 clears Mabilog of administrative charges, effectively nullifying the weight of Duterte’s accusations. For Duterte allies like Panelo, it represents a dangerous precedent—one that they believe erodes the credibility of anti-drug efforts.
The Public Reaction
The reactions to Mabilog’s pardon have been polarizing. Supporters argue that it is a step toward righting the wrongs of a politically charged campaign. They view it as a victory for due process and an acknowledgment that the narco-list was often used without substantial evidence.
Critics, however, frame the pardon as a political concession. They believe it undermines the legacy of Duterte’s anti-drug campaign and questions the consistency of the current administration’s stance on accountability.
A Nation Reflects
Mabilog’s pardon is more than a legal matter—it is a litmus test for the state of Philippine politics. It highlights the lingering divisions between the Duterte and Marcos administrations, as well as the complex legacy of the war on drugs.
For many, it is a reminder that justice must transcend politics. The clemency serves as a call to revisit the narratives of those who fell victim to politically charged accusations and to ensure that democratic institutions remain untainted by personal vendettas or power plays.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the story of Jed Patrick Mabilog is far from over. His redemption, or lack thereof, will continue to echo in the nation’s ongoing quest for truth, justice, and reconciliation.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
Post a Comment