White House of Mayor Linked To Illegal Drug Now Object of Scrutiny

ILOILO CITY—Promenaders would hardly miss the so-called White House on the edge of the scenic Iloilo River Esplanade, now the object of scrutiny by investigators looking at the assets of its owner, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who has been accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade. The three-story structure at Barangay Tap-oc in Molo District lies along the kilometer-long prime recreational area for walking, jogging, open-air dining and venue for water sports.

Photos of the White House have gone viral online since President Duterte identified Mabilog as among the officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

The mayor has repeatedly denied the allegation. But his inclusion on the drug list has heightened curiosity and focus on the source of his wealth and assets. His house was cited in the criminal and administrative complaints filed by former provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada in the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the President against the mayor for alleged unexplained wealth and plunder. The Ombudsman Visayas is conducting a fact-finding investigation on the house based on Mejorada’s complaint. P50 million?

Mejorada, a longtime critic of Mabilog, claimed that the cost of the house could reach P50 million based on its size and features.

On Oct. 25, the mayor and his wife, Marivic, opened their house for the first time to reporters. Marivic said the house, constructed over three years, cost P7.9 million. It is among the properties declared in Mabilog’s 2015 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

“We wanted you to see for yourself and know the truth,” Marivic said. She said she and her husband earlier ignored negative posts on social media about their house “because we know and are comfortable with the truth.”

But they decided to invite reporters after relatives abroad told them about the viral social media posts.

Source: Inquirer

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