By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan & Jennifer P. Rendon
Guimaras gubernatorial candidate Margarita “Maggie” Cacho has dismissed her recent arrest on swindling allegations as a politically motivated attempt to derail her candidacy.
Cacho, a local businesswoman, was arrested on Feb. 11 in an entrapment operation in Sibunag, Guimaras, along with her secretary and two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel.
Authorities said she allegedly promised to secure permits for a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in exchange for PHP1 million.
In a statement on Feb. 25, Cacho described her arrest as “one of the initial cunning strategies orchestrated to ruin my name, taint my reputation, and deceive the public.”
“There is no iota of truth in the allegations against me. This is clear political maneuvering aimed at derailing my candidacy for governor of Guimaras,” she said.
She claimed she was targeted by political opponents who saw her as a threat.
“They are threatened by my presence. I am certain this is just the first of many attacks to come. But I will remain steadfast in seeking truth and justice,” she said.
Cacho also thanked her family, friends, and supporters for standing by her, calling their loyalty an inspiration.
“Beyond this black propaganda, I express my gratitude to those who stayed by my side—my family, friends, and fellow candidates who never wavered in their support,” she added.
Authorities Deny Political Motive
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, refuted Cacho’s claims, stating that the operation against her was legitimate.
“We have overwhelming evidence leading to her arrest and the filing of a case against her,” Wanky said.
The entrapment operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) national office under the direct supervision of the Office of the President.
Police reports said the complainant, a businessman, claimed Cacho promised to expedite his application with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in exchange for PHP1 million.
The complainant initially paid PHP400,000, which was later recovered as boodle money during the operation.
Authorities also seized two .45 caliber pistols with loaded magazines, additional ammunition, two holsters, and two mobile phones from the PCG personnel arrested alongside Cacho.
Cacho and her secretary, Cayetano Leal, were released on bail shortly after their arrest.
Rival Slams Cacho’s Defense
Outgoing Guimaras Vice Governor and Jordan mayoral candidate John Edward Gando, an ally of incumbent Rep. Lucille Nava, dismissed Cacho’s statements, reiterating that her arrest was due to a valid criminal complaint.
“Please do not give too much credit to your opponents. Your arrest was a result of an entrapment operation based on a complaint of swindling,” Gando said in a Facebook post on Feb. 26.
“In simple words, somebody complained that you extorted money while claiming to have influence in government and with the First Family. That is why you were entrapped, arrested, detained, and charged,” he added.
Gando urged Cacho to focus on her legal battle instead of blaming political rivals.
“Like a mad dog barking at the wrong tree, I suggest you prepare for your trial instead,” he said.
Cacho, a known leader of Mamamayang Pilipino ng Republika (MPR)—formerly Marcos Pa Rin, a group that supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—is running as an independent candidate against Rep. Nava.
She previously ran for Sibunag town mayor in 2022 but lost to incumbent Annabelle Samaniego.
