Ombudsman suspends mayor of Bamban over corruption allegations

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the suspension of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and two others for up to six months in connection with corruption allegations raised by the Department of Interior (DILG).

The DILG alleged that Guo allowed illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to operate in the municipality.

In a May 31 order, the Ombudsman said he found sufficient grounds to suspend Guo, Edwin Ocampo and Adenn Sigua “since there is strong evidence of their guilt” on the charges of serious misconduct, conduct detrimental to service and gross dereliction of duty.

Ocampo works in the municipal business permits and licenses office, while Sigua works as a municipal legal officer.

The suspension was imposed because “her continued presence in office could jeopardise the investigation into the proceedings pending against her,” the Ombudsman explained.

“They are suspended without pay for the duration of the investigation until its conclusion, but for a maximum of six months,” the order states.

“This Order shall be immediately enforceable. Notwithstanding any motion, appeal or petition filed by any defendant seeking relief from this Order, the execution of this Order shall not be interrupted within the prescribed period unless otherwise ordered by this Office or by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

In its complaint, the DILG questioned Guo’s sale of Baufo shares, arguing that the consideration was disproportionate compared to her investment.

Despite the raid on Zun Yuan and its predecessor Hong Sheng Gaming Technology Inc., the DILG alleges that Guo still has financial interests in Baufo Land Development Inc., a company raided by the Presidential Commission on Combating Organized Crime in March for alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention.

The DILG also accused Ocampo of applying for permits for Zun Yuan despite incomplete documents.

Furthermore, the DILG said Sigua failed to investigate the negligence of members of the Sangguniang Bayan (local council) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office. (PNA)