Drug-linked ex-mayor Jed Mabilog named DILG undersecretary

MANILA, Philippines — Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who fled the country after being linked to the illegal drug trade, has been appointed as the new undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.

Palace press officer Claire Castro made the confirmation in a Viber message to reporters after reports about Mabilog’s new post circulated on social media.

READ: Marcos pardons Jed Mabilog who was linked to illegal drugs by Duterte

In January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted Mabilog a presidential pardon in connection with his 2017 administrative case.

In that year, Mabilog was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for failing to explain his questionable wealth worth P8.9 million from 2012 to 2013. The presidential pardon also reverts Mabilog’s right to run for public office.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte had accused Mabilog of being involved in the illegal drug trade.

Fearing for his life, Mabilog left the country in August 2017 to attend a conference in Japan.

Mabilog only went back to the Philippines on September 10, 2024, under the new administration to clear his name, although no charges were ever filed against him relating to illegal drugs.

Then Justice Secretary, now Ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ex-mayor’s return may be due to his plan to relaunch his political career. /das