The legal team of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo plans to file a motion for reconsideration following the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman to remove her from office, her lawyer stated on Wednesday.
In a statement to the media, Atty. Stephen David expressed disappointment over the Ombudsman’s decision, noting that they did not consider the merits of Guo’s defense.
“Nonetheless, we are preparing the Motion for Reconsideration as a necessary step before appealing to the Court of Appeals,” David said in a message to reporters.
His comments came after the Ombudsman ordered Guo’s dismissal from service on grounds of grave misconduct, which includes the forfeiture of her retirement benefits and permanent disqualification from holding public office.
According to the Ombudsman, Guo’s actions—such as her involvement in a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub within her jurisdiction—demonstrated a “deliberate intent to violate the law or ignore established regulations.”
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced that Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang will temporarily assume the role of mayor for three months. Timbang was excluded from the Ombudsman’s order, as he opposed the issuance of a permit to the POGO firm in question.
“Konsehal siya ng Sangguniang Bayan. Councilor siya pero nag-oppose nung kinukuha ang permit. Since he opposed, he was absolved or acquitted by the Ombudsman,” Abalos told reporters. (He is a municipal councilor but opposed the permit. Since he opposed it, he was cleared by the Ombudsman.)
“Siya ngayon ang tatayong mayor for three months, kasi after three months tapos na ang vice mayor, by succession na ‘yan,” Abalos added. (He will serve as mayor for three months, and after that, the vice mayor will succeed him.)
Earlier that day, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed a tax evasion case against Guo, accusing her of failing to pay ₱500,000 in taxes.
Additionally, on Tuesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a subpoena to Guo regarding a material misrepresentation complaint against her. Comelec representatives visited Guo’s residence and office in Bamban to serve the document as part of their ongoing investigation.
Guo also faces a human trafficking case connected to the POGO raid, which is pending resolution at the Department of Justice. The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Guo and a Chinese passport holder named Guo Hua Ping have identical fingerprints.
Furthermore, a petition seeking to remove Guo from office has been filed in a Manila court.