By Gabriel Kim Leal
(June 3, 2024) – The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Monday assured that the suspension of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo by the Office of the Ombudsman will not affect the ongoing investigation.
Guo and two other officials from Bamban were preventively suspended over the complaint filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government last May 24 for their alleged links to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in their municipality.
“We’re looking at a different angle, other than the administrative or criminal complaint that might have been filed against Mayor Guo before the Ombudsman. So, walang effect (itong suspension), except probably, mawawalan si Mayor Guo ng control over the evidence that may be available in her office,” said solicitor general Menardo Guevarra.
The Office of the Ombudsman found strong evidence of guilt to suspend Guo and her cohorts. Under the law, preventive suspension of public officers or employees shall not exceed six months.
The OSG formed a team to investigate if Guo is illegally “exercising a public office,” considering the possibility of filing a quo warranto petition against her.
The OSG also noted that it is considering various legal actions.
“One obstacle regarding the direct quo warranto petition is a question on the citizenship. It cannot be attacked directly, so, we need to look at other legal remedies first,” added Guevarra.
Guo appeared before the Senate over the past weeks to address allegations of supporting POGOs in Bamban. Her identity has also become a hot topic due to her inconsistent statements about her background and childhood.
“There seems to be a lot of conflicting information if not disinformation. So, we need to be able to discern what evidence will be competent enough to hold before a court of law,” said Guevarra.
(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)
(PM)
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