Laguna governor charged with graft over cancer facility operation

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines —  A graft complaint has been filed against Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones and four other people in connection with the alleged illegal operation of a cancer treatment facility.

The complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman by dismissed employees of the Laguna Medical Center (LMC) led by Jonel Osio along with Calamba Councilor Christian Niño Lajara, and Laguna board members Karla Lajara and Lorenzo Zuñiga.

Aside from Aragones, named respondents in the complaint were provincial health officer Jose Inoncilio, LMC chief Leticia Alcala, clinic manager Salve Capacete and We Hope Medical Group chairman John Paul Aclan.

The complainants questioned the operation of the Sta. Cruz Chemotherapy Center following allegations that the facility has no license to operate.

A cease-and-desist order was issued against the facility by Annette Tan of the Department of Health on Sept. 7.

However, the clinic reportedly continued operating.

Aragones said the complaint was politically motivated and part of an orchestrated smear campaign against her.

“They have made me their project. Every day they look for faults even if these are fabricated, just to discredit me,” Aragones said.

She said it was not the first time that the same group of complainants raised allegations against her.

Aragones said the partnership under the free chemotherapy program aims to provide free treatment to Laguna cancer patients.

She said several patients are currently availing themselves of the free treatment.

Some patients have completed their chemotherapy sessions at the facility.

The LMC clarified that no government funds are being used for the free cancer treatment.

The We Hope Medical Group described the allegations against the facility as baseless, saying it is ready to face any investigation.