MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Office of the Ombudsman imposed a six-month preventive suspension on Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo following a complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG filed the complaint related to Guo’s alleged involvement in the illegal operation of POGO in the area.
In addition to Guo, some local officials of Bamban are also suspended.
Complaints were filed against local officials for granting a business permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite its lack of requirements and an expired license from PAGCOR.
In a nine-page order signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on May 31, 2024, a six-month preventive suspension without pay was imposed on Guo, Edwin Ocampo, Bamban’s Business Permit and Licensing Officer, and Adden Sigua, the municipal legal officer.
The order relates to charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service filed against the three by the DILG.
Besides the criminal complaint, Guo will also face an administrative complaint for allegedly neglecting to supervise her staff.