CONCEPCION, Tarlac (April 21, 2025) – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered former Concepcion, Tarlac Mayor Andres “Andy” D. Lacson to respond to allegations of illegal demolition and graft involving a government-owned building during his tenure.
The case, filed by complainant Benjamin Soriano, accuses Lacson of gross negligence and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).
Soriano, a teacher at the Benigno S. Aquino National High School, alleged in his sworn affidavit that the former mayor authorized the illegal demolition of the Concepcion Water District building in Barangay San Nicolas Poblacion between 2018 and 2022 without proper permits or documentation. The building, turned over to the local government in 2015, was reportedly “cannibalized” under Lacson’s watch, with construction materials and office equipment disappearing without accountability.
A Municipal Engineer’s Office certification confirmed that no demolition permit was issued for the structure, bolstering Soriano’s claim of irregularities. Photos attached to the complaint showed the building intact before its demolition and in ruins afterward.
In an April 3, 2025, order, the Ombudsman’s Luzon office directed Lacson to submit a counter-affidavit within 10 days, refuting the allegations. The case (OMB-L-C-FEB-25-0052) also cites potential violations of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct for Public Officials. Failure to comply could lead to administrative or criminal sanctions. The Philippine National Police in Concepcion only served the Ombudsman’s order to Lacson on April 19, 2025. Legal experts note that the former mayor could face disqualification from public office and criminal charges if found guilty.
Soriano emphasized Lacson’s alleged failure to protect public assets, stating in Filipino, “Ang kanyang gross inexcusable negligence na nagdulot ng danyos sa gobyerno ay asasabing labag sa Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.”
The high school teacher said that the former mayor should be held accountable before he seeks office again. Lacson is reportedly planning to run for mayor again in the 2025 elections.
“Hindi ko maatim na ang ganitong tao ay malayang makapagfile ng kanyang kandidatura at hindi man lang magkaroon ng pananagutan sa kanyang mga ginawang kasalanan sa bayan,” Soriano said in his affidavit.
The Ombudsman’s investigation marks a rare challenge to local officials over alleged misuse of government property.
