Valparaíso Regional Government Defends Governor Rodrigo Mundaca Against Legal Action, Dismissing Allegations of Illegal Conduct

Original article: Gobierno Regional de Valparaíso descarta ilegalidades y defiende actuación del gobernador Rodrigo Mundaca ante acción judicial

Valparaíso Regional Government’s Legal Unit Issues Statement on Rodrigo Mundaca Case

The Valparaíso Regional Government issued a statement this Saturday addressing reports that Regional Governor Rodrigo Mundaca was declared «in rebellion.» The administration clarified that this interpretation does not align with the ongoing judicial process and reiterated that the governor’s actions fall well within his legal and institutional powers.

In an official statement released by the Legal Unit of the Valparaíso Regional Government, the institution explained that the defamation lawsuit was initiated by an attorney following certain comments made by Rodrigo Mundaca during a plenary session of the Regional Council, noting that the governor acted in his capacity as service chief and president of the collegiate body, performing functions inherent to his position.

Furthermore, the regional government asserted that reserving legal actions against potential irregularities arising from information in reports from the Comptroller’s Office is a legal obligation intrinsic to the role of the regional governor. Within this context, it emphatically stated that «there have been no indications of illegality or irregularity in his statements as Governor,» emphasizing that all conduct adheres to the principle of legality governing public function.

The statement also rejected the notion that the remarks made by Rodrigo Mundaca could be interpreted as personal expressions, indicating they were made solely in the exercise of his public duties. Therefore, it argued there is no legal basis for attempting to address him as a private citizen, since even the complaint refers to his status as «Regional Governor,» a point the regional government claims contradicts the plaintiff’s argument.

Lastly, the Legal Unit informed that the Regional Government is undertaking the necessary institutional defense, as is customary in all judicial processes where the institution and its highest authority face challenges. In this sense, it clarified that the competent court will decide whether the defamation action presented meets the criteria for acceptance regarding the statements made by Rodrigo Mundaca during an official session of the Regional Council, insisting that these were made within the framework of institutional proceedings and in the exercise of his duties as governor.

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