Vice Governor Edcel Greco Alexandre Lagman is the new governor of the province of Albay.
Lagman replaces Gov. Noel Rosal who was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for violating Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code which prohibits the release and disbursement or expenditure of public funds during the 45-day election ban.
“It is indeed providential that I have succeeded by operation of law to the governorship after the COMELEC en banc disqualified with finality former Governor Noel Rosal in a case in which I was a party,” he said.
“This is a legal mandate imposed on me. One that I am ready, willing and able to undertake as a full-fledged Governor,” Lagman added.
Upon taking his oath of office, Lagman laid down the 10-point agenda of his administration.
“Now is the time to heal and rebuild Albay.”
“Now is the time to heal and rebuild Albay. The time to mend, the time for peace, the time to finally govern in good faith and with excellence,” he stressed.
The governor vowed to be supportive of and cooperative with the national administration’s agenda and policies.
He specifically cited the “speedy economic recovery, enhanced local government autonomy, pro-people socio and economic reforms, rational land use allocation, utilization, development and management, achievement of food security, essential electoral reforms and genuine people empowerment.”
Lagman promised to give education priority.
He will also prioritize ensuring adequate power supply, boosting tourism and promoting the province as an investment destination.
“We will generate local and international investments and promote the province as an investment destination in the Philippines.”
“The new leadership will spur growth opportunities by expanding markets extensively and allowing businesses and start-ups to flourish while protecting the environment. We will generate local and international investments and promote the province as an investment destination in the Philippines. We aim to unite the government and the private sectors. We strive to strengthen democratic institutions and consultative bodies so that no sector will be left behind,” Lagman enumerated.
The newly-installed governor is the son of Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman.
“The Lagman brand of principled governance, accountability to the people, rejecting political vendettas, and integrity in public service will be the hallmark of my administration,” he concluded.
