The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the issuance of a preventive suspension against Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo amid the ongoing investigation into her alleged link to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her town.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. said the recommendation is aimed at ensuring that Guo would not be able to influence the investigation being conducted not only by the DILG but also by other government agencies.
“The DILG does not have the power to directly suspend or dismiss local officials. Hence, the DILG defers to the Ombudsman regarding any sanctions that may be imposed against Guo, in line with its disciplinary authority over elective officials of local governments under Section 21 of Republic Act No. 6770,” said Abalos.
The investigation on Guo stemmed from a raid on a POGO establishment in Bamban town. During a Senate probe, it was revealed that an electric bill and a car registered under her name was recovered inside the raided establishment.
Senators also questioned the citizenship of Guo after she allegedly failed to present pieces of evidence that was born and stayed in the Philippines.
Guo ran and won her first political venture as mayor of Bamban town during the 2022 elections.
Abalos said as early as April this year, they have already created a seven-man team to look into the allegations concerning Guo’s link to illegal POGO operations in her town.
And based on the result of the probe that was submitted on Friday, March 17, Abalos said: “Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications.”
He said he already forwarded the result of the probe to the Ombudsman for appropriate action.
“The DILG will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies on this important issue, united in our shared mission of protecting our local institutions and furthering public interest,” said Abalos.