REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Albay Gov. Grex Lagman Dismissed Over Jueteng Payola Rap, Ombudsman Drops Other Charges
Photo credit: Grex Lagman
In a shocking twist in Albay politics, Governor Grex Lagman has officially been dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman after being found guilty of grave misconduct. The reason? Allegedly accepting “payola” from jueteng operations back when he was still Vice Governor of the province.
The Ombudsman dropped the hammer in its latest decision, stating that Lagman’s actions during his previous term crossed the line. But it wasn’t a total loss for him — charges of dishonesty and neglect of duty were dismissed due to lack of solid evidence.
Interestingly, the ruling also noted that it’s not entirely clear which specific duties Lagman failed to do in his role as Vice Governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The failure to crack down on illegal gambling, the report says, wasn’t solely his responsibility, but that of the entire Sangguniang Panlalawigan as a body.
Still, the finding of grave misconduct was enough for the Ombudsman to hand down the heaviest penalty: dismissal from service, plus all accessory penalties that come with it.
As of now, there’s no word yet from Lagman’s camp on whether he plans to appeal the decision — but this development is bound to send ripples across Albay’s political landscape.
The Ombudsman dropped the hammer in its latest decision, stating that Lagman’s actions during his previous term crossed the line. But it wasn’t a total loss for him — charges of dishonesty and neglect of duty were dismissed due to lack of solid evidence.
Interestingly, the ruling also noted that it’s not entirely clear which specific duties Lagman failed to do in his role as Vice Governor and presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. The failure to crack down on illegal gambling, the report says, wasn’t solely his responsibility, but that of the entire Sangguniang Panlalawigan as a body.
Still, the finding of grave misconduct was enough for the Ombudsman to hand down the heaviest penalty: dismissal from service, plus all accessory penalties that come with it.
As of now, there’s no word yet from Lagman’s camp on whether he plans to appeal the decision — but this development is bound to send ripples across Albay’s political landscape.
Apr 29, 2025
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