COVID-19 task force rejects Magalong’s resignation

MANILA, Philippines — The National Task Force Against COVID-19 has rejected the resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as contact tracing czar over alleged lapses in quarantine protocols during the birthday celebration of social media personality Tim Yap.

“Mayor Magalong’s resignation was not accepted. He continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the leadership of the National Task Force Against COVID-19,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said yesterday.

In a letter to task force chief implementer Carlito Galvez, Magalong admitted that several lapses were committed, noting that as a senior officer of the task force, he should have “done an immediate spot correction” of the errors he witnessed.

“This incident has been a reminder that a higher standard is always expected of me,” Magalong added.

He said he is “committed to hold myself accountable and do what is necessary to rectify this misstep.”

Magalong said he would cooperate if the task force or the Department of the Interior and Local Government deems it necessary to launch an investigation over his actions.

Roque had earlier said Magalong is expected to uphold the law and continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Duterte.

Galvez said Magalong’s resignation would be a big loss for the task force, citing the mayor’s contributions to “syndromic” surveillance and contact tracing.

Presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Magalong does not deserve the criticisms he is receiving.

Panelo said Magalong showed ”delicadeza and finesse” amid the issue.

”We need all hands on deck. The continued assistance of those with proven competence will be invaluable in the fight against COVID-19,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) cited Magalong’s assistance to contact tracing efforts in the country.

“The President has that trust and the DOH also trusts Mayor Magalong,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Magalong drew flak for attending Yap’s birthday party during which guests, including the mayor’s wife, were seen not wearing face masks.

Yap has since apologized even as he gave assurance that they followed the protocols before attending the event. He said he organized the event to promote  local tourism.

Yap and his group were fined P1,500 each for not wearing masks and not observing physical distancing.