By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: UNTV/Baguio City PIO

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong should remain as the Philippines’ COVID-19 Tracing Czar since his expertise is unmatched, National Task Force against COVID-19 Carlito Galvez Jr. said Tuesday.

“Nakita po natin napaka-professional po ng ating mahal na mayor at bihira po sa mga ganyang klaseng tao na very gentleman at nakikita natin na talaga he’s not afraid of accepting his mistake,” Galvez said in a televised briefing.

“Pero nakikita po natin, sa totoo lang po, wala po siyang katulad. Nakikita po namin mahihirapan po kung sino ang idedesignate namin. Yung kanyang pagka-contact tracing czar, it’s a separate thing from what happened to Manor hotel,” Galvez added.

Magalong earlier filed an irrevocable resignation following violations of minimum health protocols as he and his wife attended a party hosted by social media personality Tim Yap in Baguio City.

However, Galvez said he will go to Baguio City to personally talk with the local official next week.

“Nakikita ko po yan, mayor, naranasan ko rin po yung naranasan niyo. Stay put lang po Sir, Mayor, tayo po, sama sama po tayo. Hindi po namin kayo iiwanan, mayor,” he said.

“Talagang sa amin, sa National Task Force, irreplaceable po ang kakayahan ni Gen. Magalong. Hindi po namin matanggap na magbitiw sya as contact tracing czar because he has done so much from the start when we were looking for answers,” he added.

Magalong wished his resignation would no longer reach President Rodrigo Duterte, but said he cannot refuse if the President told him to remain in his post.


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