By Marita Moaje
MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has ordered the immediate recall of Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque, currently stationed in Los Angeles, United States, to face an official investigation back home.
Maglanque was recently named in a privilege speech on the anomalous flood control projects by Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair, Senator Panfilo Lacson, on Tuesday, prompting the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMWs) swift action.
“Nag-isyu na tayo ng recall order para kay Labor Attaché Maglanque upang makauwi at personal na harapin ang imbestigasyon. Wala pa pong parusang ipinapataw, ngunit mahalaga na siya mismo ay humarap sa mga katanungan – hindi lamang ng DMW kundi maging ng iba pang imbestigasyong kinakailangan (We have issued a recall order for Labor Attaché Maglanque to return home and personally face the investigation. No punishment has been imposed yet, but it is important that she personally face the questions – not only of the DMW but also of other investigations that may be necessary),” Cacdac said in a statement Friday.
He said the move reflects the agency’s adherence to accountability and transparency, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 94, which upholds integrity and good governance in public service.
“Dahil pinangalanan siya sa privilege speech ng Senate Blue Ribbon Chair, tungkulin natin na sumunod sa proseso at sa atas ng ating Pangulo na papanagutin ang sinumang opisyal, kung may alegasyon ng maling gawain o katiwalian (Since she was named in the privilege speech of the Senate Blue Ribbon Chair, it is our duty to follow the process and the directive of our President to hold any official accountable if there is any allegation of wrongdoing or corruption),” he added.
Lacson alleged that Maglanque had connections to MBB Global Properties, a company reportedly involved in controversial flood control contracts. The issue has raised concerns over potential anomalies in public infrastructure projects.
He said the firm’s 2024 general information sheet shows that Maglanque serves as the MBB Global Properties Corp. president, together with Sunshine Bernardo as corporate secretary, and Fatima Gay B. (Bonoan) Dela Cruz as its treasurer.
Lacson pointed out that these individuals are the children of Candaba, Pampanga Mayor Rene Maglanque, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, and former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, respectively.
He said that the MBB stands for Maglanque, Bernardo, and Bonoan.
Cacdac noted that the recall also protects Maglanque’s right to due process.
“Haharap lamang siya sa imbestigasyon. Ito ay bahagi ng ating paninindigan para sa integridad at pananagutan sa serbisyo publiko (She will only face the investigation. This is part of our commitment to integrity and accountability in public service),” he said.
Cacdac pledged to cooperate fully with any Senate or government investigation, while continuing to strengthen internal safeguards against misconduct within its ranks.
He also emphasized that preserving trust is essential to protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who rely on labor officials abroad for their welfare and support. (PNA)
