Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that it is the prerogative of a lawyer to file a complaint against him.
This was Lacson’s reaction as he brushed aside the complaints filed against him by former Provincial Legal Office lawyer Ernie Magaspag before the Office of the President.
“That is his prerogative. That’s precisely why Malacañang set up a complaint center, where anybody can file a complaint,” Lacson said.
Lacson further said it is up to Malacañang to decide on the complaints filed against him.
Earlier, Magaspag filed complaints for alleged abuse of authority, misconduct in office, gross negligence or dereliction of duty, and other administrative cases as his evidence may warrant against the governor.
When asked if he thinks the suit was a retaliatory act on the part of Magaspag, who was dismissed from the provincial government, the governor said, “No. I will give him the benefit of the doubt.”
The governor declined to further discuss any more details of the case as “the proper forum now is Malacañang”.
Meanwhile, Provincial Legal Officer Alberto Nellas Jr. described the complaints as “retaliatory acts” of Magaspag, adding that all the issuances have been reviewed by the PLO and it is in accordance with the law. (Dolly Yasa via The Daily Guardian (TDG), photo courtesy of TDG)