Magalang, Pampanga Mayor Maria Lourdes “Malu” Paras-Lacson and several other local officials have been reported to the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged graft, conflict of interest, and other administrative violations linked to the operations of Chuangxing Steel Inc. in the municipality.
The complaint was filed by the United Pilipinos Against Crime and Corruption (UPACC), led by founder Pyra Lucas, who alleged that Lacson and her family had links to Kingsmen Manpower, a company reportedly supplying workers to the steel plant. The group is also seeking an investigation into alleged unexplained wealth involving the mayor’s declared assets.
The complaint comes after authorities raided Chuangxing in July and seized more than ₱3 billion worth of radioactive-bearing materials, contaminated equipment, and allegedly substandard steel products. The NBI later confirmed that steel bars recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building in Angeles City were traced to Chuangxing.
UPACC is asking the Ombudsman to investigate the allegations, consider preventive suspension, and hold the respondents accountable if the charges are substantiated.
Lacson has previously denied having a current financial interest in Kingsmen, saying she fully divested her shares before assuming office and that her administration granted no special favors to Chuangxing.
