Laguna is in debt for P1 billion

New Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez reveals his province is in debt for P1 billion.

Hernandez adds, he is now checking if the loans incurred went to deserving projects. Hernandez notes, based on the report of the Commission on Audit (COA), there were unliquidated advances during ER Ejercito’s term.

“Walang masamang mangutang, kahit sa local government. Walang masamang mangutang, pero dapat yung inutang mo, nilagay mo sa maganda. For example, overspending,
na-copy furnish ako ng COA doon sa previous auditing nila; so, madami doong unliquidated talaga, maraming mga unexplained use of funds.” Hernandez says.

Though Hernandez declined to speak ill against his predecessor, he confirmed reports that Ejercito was often absent and late for work.

“Yun naririnig ko sa mga tao kasi, nagfa-function ako as vice-governor ng lalagiwan. Ang focus ko, Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Yung mga tao pumupunta sa akin, sa vice, wala kasi si governor. Hindi naman ganun ka-close yung personal relationship namin, so hindi ko sya namo-monitor.
Nagta-trabaho ako as vice governor, nagtatrabaho siya as governor. Naririnig ko lang ang reklamo ng mga tao.”

Responding to allegations against him, this time, Hernandez admits he used to gamble. But he insists he stopped upon joining government service.

“Before ako mag-assume ng office sa government.  Before, 2010 nilabas nila yang issue yan. ung nakaraang election inilabas pero landslide pa rin ang victory ko.” Hernadez says.

Hernandez says he will continue the projects of Ejercito, support his scholars, and hire his staff should they re-apply.

Hernandez also clarifies, he removed the photos of ER Ejercito from the Capitol only to avoid confusion among his workforce.