Vice Governor called the allegations ‘obviously malicious’

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and former Negros Occidental fourth district Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer yesterday announced plans to file legal raps against embattled former Barangay 35 Captain Maui Huelar, after he linked them and Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to an alleged illegal drug trade within the Sta. Clara Subdivision in Bacolod City.

During a press conference, both Marañon and Ferrer said they do not personally know Huelar, apart from his stint as a former basketball player for the defunct Negros Slashers basketball team.

Ferrer, however, said he bumped into Huelar on two occasions, recalling Huelar had asked for his help when he was running for barangay captain.

Both the governor and Ferrer also believe Huelar may have been manipulated by an individual who is seeking to ruin their reputation.

“This is pure character assassination and fabricated lies intended to damage our reputation and besmirch our image,” Ferrer said.

The timing of the affidavit release was also questioned, citing those being linked to illegal drugs are possible gubernatorial candidates in 2019; along with the release coinciding with the upcoming visit by President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday.

Marañon and Ferrer also challenged Huelar to show proof of his allegations and to “stop making stories and cheap gossip.”

Meanwhile, Lacson also released a statement denying Huelar’s allegations.

He called the allegations “obviously malicious and false” and he does not understand why Huelar would make “such wild statements.”

Lacson, who is currently in Cebu attending the National Assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP), said he would be willing to face the media once he returns to Bacolod City.

During the press conference, Marañon also denied the presence of illegal numbers game jueteng in Sagay City, which Huelar claimed was being conducted in the city by the governor’s kin./DGB, WDJ