Gov. Lagman dismissed over payola

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed Albay Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman from office for grave misconduct in connection with alleged payola or kickbacks from jueteng, an illegal numbers game.

Lagman denied the allegations and said he would appeal the decision.

In a 15-page ruling dated January 28, 2025—but released only on Tuesday, April 29, just 13 days before the May 12 elections—the Ombudsman said at least 60 bank deposit slips and sworn affidavits from the complainant and witnesses supported claims that Lagman received P8.1 million in payoffs between August 2019 and June 2022.

“These payolas were given in consideration or by reason of respondent being the Vice Governor of the Province of Albay [then], in exchange for some future favor in relation to the operation of jueteng... given in anticipation of protection for its continued proliferation in said province,” the Ombudsman said.

The ruling noted that Lagman’s actions constituted indirect bribery, with all elements of the crime present: the offender is a public officer, received gifts or benefits, and such were given in connection with his position.

“In this case, the payolas were given in anticipation of some favor from respondent, in whatever capacity and manner he may act as a public officer, to protect the operation of jueteng,” the ruling stated.

The Ombudsman said Lagman failed to adequately refute the allegations and even admitted ownership of the bank accounts where the deposits were made. He also did not explain the source or purpose of the P8.1 million in deposits, nor did he provide evidence that he objected to receiving them—assuming, the Ombudsman said, he had no knowledge of the transactions.

Instead, Lagman invoked the Bank Secrecy Law to challenge the admissibility of the deposit slips as evidence.

Further, the Ombudsman cited witness affidavits stating that Lagman promised to “look the other way” and “refrain from using their investigative powers” regarding jueteng operations in Albay. While the promise may have been general, the Ombudsman said it still resulted in Lagman receiving payoffs.

“Said circumstance qualifies him as a coddler and protector under Republic Act 9287, or the law increasing penalties for illegal numbers games. This Office finds that respondent was animated by a corrupt motive to benefit from illegal gambling, and that his actions were willful and done with discernment,” the Ombudsman concluded.

Lagman was found guilty of grave misconduct and meted the penalty of dismissal from service, along with accessory penalties. The decision was signed by Graft Investigation & Prosecution Officer III team members Lucielo Ramirez Jr., Sylvester Alcazar, and Bonifacio Mandrilla.

Lagman Denies Allegations

GMA News Online has reached out to Lagman for comment. The governor, who is seeking reelection in the May 2025 polls, also issued a statement on social media.

“Ako ay naninindigan na hindi ako tumanggap ng anumang payola mula sa jueteng noong ako ay nakaupo na bise gobernador mula 2019 hanggang 2022,” Lagman said in a Facebook post.

(I affirm that I never accepted any payola from jueteng while serving as vice governor from 2019 to 2022.)

“Katunayan, sa simula pa lamang ng aking panunungkulan bilang gobernador noong December 1, 2022, ay inilatag ko na kaagad na hindi ako pabor sa jueteng. At dahil sa aking malinaw at matatag na posisyong ito, walang nangahas na mag-alok sa akin ng payola o ano mang uri nito hanggang ako ay bumaba sa aking pwesto dahil alam nila hindi ko ito tatanggapin.”

(In fact, from the start of my term as governor on December 1, 2022, I made it clear that I was against jueteng. Because of this firm stance, no one dared offer me payola or anything of the sort until I stepped down, knowing I would not accept it.)

Lagman added that he has stepped down from his post and is preparing to appeal the Ombudsman’s decision.