By Aileen Lor
The Ombudsman’s Office has suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, and two other local officials for up to six months.
The suspension came after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft charges against Guo for alleged involvement in her area’s Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Aside from Guo, Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua were suspended.
According to the DILG, complaints were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 regarding the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
On March 13, officials raided a 10-hectare area operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc. and discovered various devices allegedly tied to POGO operations. The operation led to the rescue of around 600 Filipinos and foreigners.
The complex was searched in 2023 while Hongsheng Technology Inc. operated it, which is now tied to Guo as she applied for a letter of no objection for the complex’s operating license.
