Laguna governor dismisses graft complaint as ‘political maneuvering’

SANTA CRUZ, Laguna — Laguna Governor Sol Aragones on Tuesday dismissed as “politicking” a graft complaint filed against her and several provincial officials before the Office of the Ombudsman, noting the document was leaked to the media before her office received a formal copy.

In a statement, Aragones criticized political opponents for prioritizing political maneuvering over public service and insisted that grievances against government officials should be addressed through proper legal channels.

“We will never sacrifice our integrity and accountability in public service,” Aragones said, adding that her legal counsel is awaiting official documentation from the Ombudsman before filing a formal response.

Laguna board members Lorenzo Zuñiga Jr., Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara, and Princess Diane Lajara, alongside Calamba City councilor Christian Niño Lajara, filed the complaint Monday.

The suit alleges administrative and criminal irregularities within the provincial government’s financial assistance and review program.

Aragones assured residents that provincial government operations and public assistance programs would continue uninterrupted while her legal team reviews the allegations.