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 Mayor Alice Guo of Tarlac “to prevent any influence on the continuing investigations of our and other agencies.”
The department formed a special team to investigate allegations of Guo’s involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Bamban, Tarlac.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. tapped lawyer Benjamin Zabala of the agency’s Internal Audit Service to lead the 7-man team tasked to conduct the probe.
“The Task Force’s updated report has been submitted today, May 17, 2024, to the Office of the Ombudsman for their appropriate action. Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications,” Abalos said.
“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,” he added.
The DILG chief said they will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies on the matter.