Albay Governor Grex Lagman said operations of the Provincial Government are unaffected by the cases filed against him by former barangay captain Alwin Nimo of Anislag, Daraga, Albay.
Nimo has accused Lagman of bribery in line with the illegal numbers game operations when he was still vice governor, something that Lagman denied.
Lagman said the cases are black propaganda.
He said it would have been difficult to demand something from people he did not know.
"When I assumed the vice governorship, I do not know any person connected with the illegal numbers game... I would like to assert, how can I demand something to anyone na hindi ko nga kilala yung mga personalities na involved," Lagman said.
Nimo said he was forced to come into the open and file the four cases because he is in possession of documents that reportedly compromise his security.
"Napilitan na akong lumabas kasi may mga documents akong hawak na kung baga nagiging threat sa buhay ko na hangga't hawak-hawak ko daw ang mga papel na yun, eh, hindi ako titigilan," he said.
Nimo's legal counsel, Atty. Raiya Angela Azanza, believes they have a strong case and sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
"With this case, we assisted Mr. Alwin Nimo in filing the case for direct and indirect bribery, for violation of ethical standards for government employees for punishment for illegal number game and of course anti-graft and corrupt with the evidence provided to us by Mr. Nimo," Azanza said.
ZERO EFFECT
Lagman said the cases have zero effect on his administration.
"These cases have a zero effect on my administration, how will do my work, undertake my work together with my department heads, hindi po tayo magpapa-apekto sa mga ganitong baseless cases," Lagman said.
He dismissed the accusations as attempts to tarnish his reputation and emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his duties as governor.
Contrary to plans of filing countercharges, Lagman instead announced an executive order to put an end to jueteng operations in the province.
"Well, sa resbak, maliban sa pagpapatigil po ng jueteng, maliban sa mas istriktong implimentasyon laban po sa mga illegal quarry, palagay ko hindi naman po ako vindictive, hindi ako naniniwala na dapat mag-file tayo ng kaso left and right," Lagman said.
He asserted that his administration will not engage in vindictive legal actions but instead focus on implementing strict measures against illegal activities, including illegal quarrying.
