By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: Abante

Malacañang said Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte surely wants Baguio City Mayor and COVID-19 Contact Tracing Czar Benjamin Magalong to remain to his post.

“I have heard with my own two ears nothing but words of praises for mayor Magalong from the President,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in an online briefing

“So of course, I am sure, 100 percent sure, that the President would want mayor Magalong to stay on as tracing czar,” Roque added.

Magalong filed his irrevocable resignation from his tracing czar position, but said he cannot refuse if Duterte asked him to stay.

National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the local chief to stay, adding his expertise is unmatched.

Magalong earlier admitted there are lapses in observing minimum health protocols during the party hosted by social media personality Tim Yap. The celebration quickly drew fierce criticisms from the netizens, calling it a privilege among wealthy and those in position.

“I’m not denying that I failed to perform my job. I should have reminded people, I should have cautioned people to wear their masks but hindi ko nagawa yun,” Magalong said.


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