Ombudsman denies Alice Guo’s appeal vs. preventive suspension

June 25, 2024 , 04:00 PM

By Lace Anne Ebuña

(June 25, 2024) — The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday stood firm on its decision to uphold the preventive suspension imposed on Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, along with Edwin Campo and Adden Sigua, as it dismissed their motions for reconsideration. Guo’s defense team earlier argued that the evidence against her was insufficient and that lifting of the suspension should be made.

In an order signed by the Ombudsman Samuel Martires, no substantial grounds were found to lift the preventive suspension imposed on Guo and her co-respondents, reaffirming its initial action.

“Again, without delving into the merits of the case and without prejudging the same, this Office reiterates its preliminary finding that there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence against respondents Guo, Campo, and Sigua is strong at this time given,” the Ombudsman affirmed.

The Ombudsman clarified that preventive suspension is not a penalty but a precautionary measure designed to prevent the accused from using their official position to influence potential witnesses or tamper with evidence crucial to the case.

“The purpose thereof is to prevent the accused from using his position and the powers and prerogative of his office to influence potential witnesses or to tamper with records which maybe vital in the prosecution of the case against him,” it said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) enforced an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Mayor Guo. The ILBO directs the BI to monitor attempts by Guo to leave the country amidst the serious charges against her. A precautionary Hold Departure Order is now in place against her.

Previously, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) removed her from their membership due to accusations linking her to illegal POGO activities in her municipality. The NPC stated that Guo’s purported association with unlicensed POGOs, along with allegations of human and labor trafficking, has raised serious concerns about her integrity and commitment to the party’s values.

(JREC)

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