LAGUNA Governor Marisol “Sol” Aragones-Sampelo and five other provincial officials are facing a graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged procurement irregularities in the province’s financial assistance program for professional reviewees.
The complaint was filed on Monday, Sept. 28, by Laguna Board Members Lorenzo Zuñiga Jr., Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara, and Princess Diane R. Lajara, alongside Calamba City Councilor Christian Niño Lajara.
The complainants alleged that the provincial government violated Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), alongside charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
According to the filing, the provincial government disbursed P15,500 directly to individual beneficiaries for board exam review assistance without undergoing the required public bidding under Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
The suit claimed the program bypassed guidelines set by the Provincial Legal Services Office and conditions from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
It further alleged that some beneficiaries used fake diplomas and indigency certificates, and were later instructed to return the P15,500 payout because the funds were purportedly meant for a private firm, the Professional Academic Review Center.
Complainants noted other centers offered similar services for roughly P6,000 per head.
Named co-respondents include budget officer Jocelyn Jimenez-Litan, accountant Joiphylen C. Bacanto, treasurer Fely T. Cruz, assistant department head Carina Macalos, and review center president Dr. Analiza C. Victoriano.
In response, Governor Aragones vowed to face the case head-on but strongly condemned the leak of the complaint details on social media before her office received an official copy.
Calling the premature disclosure malicious politicking intended to damage her reputation, Aragones stated that her legal team will thoroughly review the formal documents once officially served before issuing a full statement.
“We will never sacrifice our integrity and accountability in public service,” Aragones asserted, reassuring residents that public services and provincial programs will continue uninterrupted.