The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Albay Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman after finding him guilty of grave misconduct in connection with alleged payola from jueteng, an illegal numbers game, during his term as vice governor.
In a decision dated January 28, 2025, but released only on April 29, the Ombudsman cited evidence showing that Lagman received approximately P8.1 million in jueteng payouts from August 2019 to June 2022. The ruling was based on bank deposit slips and corroborated by affidavits from the complainant and several witnesses.
Lagman reportedly admitted to owning the bank accounts in question but failed to explain the source and purpose of the deposits. The Ombudsman noted that he neither objected to the transactions nor proved lack of knowledge or consent, despite invoking the Bank Secrecy Law to challenge the admissibility of the deposit slips.
“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,” the decision read.
The court concluded that Lagman’s actions constituted indirect bribery, as defined by law—highlighting that the benefits were received by a public officer in relation to his position. The Ombudsman also cited Republic Act 9287, stating that the circumstances qualified Lagman as a “coddler and protector” of illegal gambling operations.
“This Office finds that respondent had been animated by a corrupt motive to benefit from illegal gambling, and his corrupt actions were willful and done with discernment,” the ruling said.
Lagman, who is seeking reelection, has strongly denied the allegations.
“In fact, from the very start of my governorship on December 1, 2022, I clearly stated my opposition to jueteng. Because of my firm stance, no one dared to offer me payola or anything of the sort,” he said in a statement.
Lagman has stepped down following the decision but has announced plans to appeal the case to a higher court.