DILG recommends Guo’s suspension

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recommended putting Bamban Mayor Alice Guo under preventive suspension for alleged “serious illegal acts” involving Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said that the task force, under the DILG, has recommended Guo’s suspension to the Office of the Ombudsman for appropriate action.

“Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts, which may have severe legal implications,” Abalos said.

“The DILG recommended to the Ombudsman the issuance of a preventive suspension against Mayor Guo, to prevent any influence on the continuing investigations of our and other agencies,” he added.

Abalos did not specify the illegal acts committed by Guo, as he said that this is part of a courtesy toward the Office of the Ombudsman.

The seven-man task force, headed by Benjamin Zaballa of the DILG Internal Audit Service, was formed in April to investigate the allegations on Guo’s link to an illegal POGO in her municipality.

Abalos said that they have yet to finish their investigation on the citizenship issues surrounding Guo.

He again explained that they will refer any action to the ombudsman, as it has the disciplinary authority over elected officials of local governments, and that the DILG has no power to directly suspend or dismiss local officials.

“The DILG will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies on this important issue, united in our shared mission of protecting our local institutions and furthering public interest,” Abalos said.

Additionally, Guo is facing an investigation at the Senate for the POGO allegations. The controversial mayor may also face a quo warranto case filed against her by the Office of the Solicitor General that recently got the backing of two members of the House of Representatives.

President Marcos backed further investigation on Guo, citing the ongoing Senate probe, as he added that Tarlac politicians do not know her.

“The President is very serious about these things,” Abalos added.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said that they are gathering information to determine if