In an interview on Sunday, February 18, Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman fired back against Atty. Alfredo Garbin’s criticism following his press conference, accusing the latter of being part of a political ploy.
It can be recalled that during the press conference last February 14, Lagman denied the bribery allegations raised against him by Alwin Nimo, a confessed Jueteng operator and a former barangay chairman of Anislag in the municipality of Daraga.
He claimed that he received not even a centavo from Nimo—emphasizing the baselessness of the allegations and suggesting a potential political motive in light of his potential gubernatorial candidacy in 2025.
In a Facebook post following said press conference, Garbin rebuked Lagman’s defense, stating, “Sabi nga nila noong law school days, alibi is the weakest defense, but it is still a defense. Translated sa kaso ni Grex Lagman, magpalusot nalang sa gusot dahil walang magandang depensa. Pero ang swerte ni Grex, sana all may 60K weekly deposit sa bank account.”
When asked about his reaction to Garbin’s post, Lagman pointed out the likelihood of the lawyer’s involvement in what he thought of as a conspiracy, repeatedly highlighting that the reaction should come from Nimo, not Garbin.
He then dismissed Garbin’s supposed legal insight, asserting, “Is he trying to teach me the law? I think I’m a better lawyer than him—wala pong question dun.”
“Ito talaga si Pido, overacting lagi. Mahilig talaga to sa drama,” Lagman furthered.
Lagman also claimed that big politicians are behind this issue, further reaffirming that Garbin is part of the conspiracy.
“The way a person reacts is the best barometer of where he or she is on a particular issue. The fact na tumaya siya dito, kasali siya dito,” Lagman uttered.
Lagman: “May jueteng dito sa Albay”
Furthermore, Lagman also expressed his sentiments on former Albay Police Provincial Office Director PCol. Fernando Cunanan Jr.’s claims that there is no jueteng in the province of Albay.
“May jueteng dito sa Albay, and I will stop jueteng in Albay,” Lagman said.
He criticized Cunanan’s leadership, linking said false claims to a failure in maintaining peace and order in the region, further insinuating that it is probably due to such instances that he was relieved off his duty as provincial director of Albay PPO.
“That is a failure in his leadership as PD. That is why probably ang chief natin or kung sino man po ang nag order for him to be relieved, it has come to their attention na talagang masama ang management niya ng peace and order dito sa Albay.” I Kian Kirby Florano