Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog returned to the Philippines with a renewed trust in the government’s commitment to uphold due process and fairness, his legal counsel, Jeric Jucaban, said yesterday.

“After careful consideration and assessment of the current judicial system, Mayor Mabilog has decided to come back, trusting in the current administration’s commitment to due process and fairness,” Jucaban said in a statement.

He added that as a manifestation of Mabilog’s “respect for the law and his readiness to address the matters that have been pending against him,” he submitted to the legal process and the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

The former mayor posted bail for the graft charges filed against him at the Sandiganbayan.

“At this time, Mayor Mabilog will refrain from making any public statements, as he is currently evaluating his legal remedies concerning the cases filed against him during his time abroad. He seeks to navigate these challenges with the utmost care and consideration,” Jucaban said.

Mabilog sought asylum in the United States for fear of his life after he was tagged by former President Rodrigo Duterte as a narco-politician.

He arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday, September 10, where he was met by Iloilo City Lone district Representative Julienne Baronda and his close friends.

Baronda, in a statement, said Ilonggos welcomed Mabilog’s “courageous and selfless decision to return home and seek justice for his sullen reputation and the tarnished image of Iloilo City.”

“We all know he was never a drug protector. We are all witnesses, our beloved Iloilo City was never the most ‘shabulized,’” she said. (PNA)