The national government has rejected the resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as contact tracing czar over his supposed lapses in the controversial party of Tim Yap.

“We confirm that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong tendered his resignation as the government’s Tracing Czar,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Mayor Magalong’s resignation, however, has not been accepted. He continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the leadership of the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19,” Roque added.

In the letter, Magalong says “several lapses in protocol were committed” in the event.

Reason cited in Magalong’s resignation letter to Sec. Carlito Galvez is “to hold myself accountable and do what is necessary to rectify this misstep.”

“I should have done an immediate spot correction of the errors that I witnessed during that time. Much as I have given my best to discharge my duties for the Task Force, this incident has been a reminder that a higher standard is always expected of me,” Magalong said in his letter.

“It pains me to see my family, and my constituents, in anguish over this but I am committed to hold myself accountable and do what is necessary to rectify this misstep,” he added.