LEGAZPI CITY: Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman has confirmed receiving a preventive suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman, leading to Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao stepping in as acting governor. Lagman did not specify details of his case but acknowledged its connection to a graft filing earlier this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension follows a graft case filed against Lagman in February by Alwin Nimo, a former village captain from Barangay Anislag in Daraga. Nimo alleged Lagman received PHP8 million in bribes from jueteng operators during his tenure as vice governor. Lagman, who assumed the governorship in December 2022 after his predecessor’s disqualification, plans to contest the suspension, asserting his innocence and questioning the legal basis of the accusations.
Governor Lagman assured his constituents that ongoing projects would remain unaffected, having communicated with provincial department and office heads to ensure continuity. He emphasized the commitment
to good governance and his dedication to serving the Albayanos.
Lagman, who intends to run for governor in the upcoming election, insists that the preventive suspension does not equate to a penalty or sentence. Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bicol has yet to receive the suspension order, as stated by Assistant Director Jhoaden Lucero.