Bulacan-based media man Orlan Mauricio, who claims he has filed a written complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman recently, alleges the illegal implementation of Ordinance No. 01-2023 “An Ordinance Approving the Amendment of the Schedule of Fair Market Values for the General Revision of Real Property Assessment in the Province of Bulacan in the Year 2023 to be implemented in the year 2024.” (approved under SP Resolution No. 538A-T2023).
I would like to clarify that we have not yet received any copy of the “alleged complaint” and my statement this afternoon is merely a response to what was stated in Mauricio’s recent press conference and social media content.
I submit that his accusations are baseless, absurd, and brazenly political. Mauricio’s stated reason is that the ordinance did not go through the proper publication process. He alleged that the newspaper that published the ordinance is a fly-by-night publication, which is why he said he is “appealing for the ombudsman to stop the ordinance’s implementation.”
Here comes Orlan Mauricio again with his dirty tricks and baseless, irresponsible statements. On many occasions he has called me a “fool” (tanga) but his actions demonstrate that he is the one who is ignorant not only in the principles of responsible journalism but also in his ignorance of the law. I came here to speak out and provide clarification in order to protect our citizens from the distorted narratives of Orlan Mauricio.
We maintain that this ordinance remains valid unless and until the courts declare the contrary in clear and unequivocal terms. Mauricio’s defamatory statements will not entitle him or anyone else to restrain the law’s enforcement.
Mr. Mauricio’s gestures are deplorable fueled by personal motivations in his seemingly lifelong obsession to weaponize the media by uttering slanderous and abusive statements against me for no apparent reason. In the past many years while suffering these personal attacks, I have chosen to turn the other cheek, convinced that his allegations are so insignificant and absurd as to be dignified by my response.
However, in 2023, I felt Mr. Mauricio has crossed the line leading me to file a cyber libel case against him before the Regional Trial Court due to malicious imputations he has made publicly which intended to cause damage to my good name, reputation, and vocation as a public servant.
After having clarified my points to our taxpaying citizens, I consider this media man’s baseless and ridiculous statements in the same manner that I expect well-meaning Bulakenyos to be dismissive of them. It is after all, just another manipulative content from a man prone to fabricating lies to serve his selfish interests and whoever else is behind his brazen politicking.
On a final note, I appeal to all Bulakenyos to remain steadfast particularly during these election season. My administration will continue to uphold the constitution, adhere to the rule of law and protect the rights of every Bulakenyo.
