By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Jose Ma. Valencia, yesterday, said he does not see any criminal or administrative aspect to the case the Office of the Ombudsman for the Visayas filed against Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and 10 others.
In an interview at the Provincial Capitol, Valencia said they have no response as of yet since they have not received a copy of the complaint.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there,” he said when pressed on the Capitol’s next move.
“This is the first time knowing it is criminal to buy land unless you are the owner and, if the Capitol conducts a land-grab, then you can file a case,” Valencia pointed out.
The document, which was released to the members of the media last Sunday, said the governor is being brought up on charges in violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which pertains to giving preference and unwarranted benefits to private parties; along with grave misconduct and dishonesty.
The charges, filed by the Field Investigation Office (FIO), were made following a fact-finding investigation surrounding the purchase of around 150 hectares of land, located in Barangays Sta. Rosa and Canlandog, Murcia, from the heirs of the Arguelles family in March 2012.
Albert, George, and Gloria Arguelles are also being charged alongside the governor.
In a separate statement, Marañon said, “I, apparently, cannot react to anything I have not seen nor received.”
The governor noted he is confident “the truth will bear us out from these non-issues.”
“Development initiatives of the provincial government are meant to uplift the lives of marginal sectors, including farmers and other agricultural workers,” the governor added./WDJ