A Governor Almost got Executed

We’re known for political dynasties. We’ve had the same family running cities, towns, and even provinces for generations. In what could be biggest upsets against a political dynasty, Rafael Lacson, the governor of Negros Occidental, was THIS close to meet his end by the electric chair. After being found guilty for the death of opposition candidate Moises Padilla, Lacson was sentenced to the electric chair in 1954. Even after the harassments and threats, Padilla continues to run for mayor of Magallon, with the  backing of then-Defense Secretary Ramon Magsaysay. Even though Lacson’s candidate won the elections, he ordered Padilla’s arrest under the grounds of sedition and illegal possession of firearms. A few days later, Padilla’s dead body was found in the town plaza. Padilla’s body was personally picked up by Magsaysay himself and brought to manila for an autopsy and proper burial. Lacson was charged and was sentenced to capital punishment. This, however, was reduced to life imprisonment due to the lack of votes in the Supreme Court.

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