Suspension of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo Applauded by Three Senators
MANILA, Philippines — Three senators expressed their satisfaction on Monday regarding the suspension of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo due to her alleged involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations in the country.
“Dapat lang,” opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros stated in response to the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to place Guo and two other Bamban town officials under preventive suspension without pay for up to six months.
Hontiveros had previously called for the mayor’s suspension when she and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian visited a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) hub in Tarlac on April 24.
Senator Gatchalian also welcomed the Ombudsman’s move, describing it as a “step in the right direction” that would allow authorities to conduct investigations without fear of a cover-up while Guo remains in office.
The Senate committee on women will hold an executive session on Wednesday to further investigate Guo’s alleged connections to Zun Yuan Technology Inc.
Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva urged government agencies to enhance their efforts against illegal Pogos and emphasized the need for high ethical standards among government officials.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government recommended Guo’s suspension for allegedly allowing illegal Pogos to operate in Bamban. The DILG has also filed various complaints, including graft, against Guo and other municipal officials with the Office of the Ombudsman.
Despite the charges against the mayor, senators continue to probe the establishment of a Pogo hub in Bamban, suspecting involvement in transnational crimes like money laundering and human trafficking.
