19/08/2025
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE OMBUDSMAN DECISION
The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a decision in the administrative case filed against me, imposing the corresponding penalty.
I respect the legal process, but I must make it clear that this case does not involve any criminal charge nor any issue of corruption, theft, or wrongdoing. This is purely a matter of legal interpretation and implementation of the law regarding the issuance of CSG permits.
It is important to emphasize that the complaint against me was politically motivated. The complainant is a well-known “perennial complainant,” who has long been involved in political cases and is currently serving as a security aide to one of my political rivals — an individual who has already publicly declared his intention to run for governor in 2028.
This shows that the case is not about genuine public service concerns but rather about partisan interests aimed at discrediting me and derailing the programs of the provincial government that have been serving our people, particularly our farmers.
I have already filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which is now pending resolution. We will continue to go through the proper legal process because we firmly believe in truth and justice.
Let me assure the people of Nueva Ecija: I will not back down. My focus remains on serving you and sustaining the programs that uplift the lives of Novo Ecijanos. If I am removed from office, I will remain with you — not as governor, but as a fellow Novo Ecijano who shares the same hopes and struggles, and who is determined to continue fighting for what is right.
No political harassment, no baseless accusations, and no unjust rulings will stop us from pursuing our shared vision of a strong, progressive, and just Nueva Ecija.
To all Novo Ecijanos: let us stand united, guided by the truth, firm in our purpose, and driven by our love for our beloved province.
