The legal team representing former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo plans to file a motion for reconsideration following the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss her from office. Attorney Stephen David, Guo’s lawyer, conveyed their disappointment over the Ombudsman’s ruling but emphasized their readiness to appeal.
Motion for Reconsideration
In a statement to reporters, Atty. David expressed regret that the Ombudsman did not find merit in Guo’s defense. “Nonetheless, we are preparing for the Motion for Reconsideration as a prerequisite for filing an appeal with the Court of Appeals,” he said.
The Ombudsman’s order dismissed Guo for grave misconduct, including forfeiture of all her retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The decision was based on Guo’s involvement in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub, which the Ombudsman described as a willful intent to violate the law.
Interim Leadership
Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang has been appointed to serve as acting mayor for three months. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos explained that Timbang was absolved by the Ombudsman because he opposed the permit issuance for the POGO firm. “Since he opposed, he was absolved or acquitted by the Ombudsman,” Abalos noted.
After Timbang’s three-month term, the vice mayor, who is currently suspended, will assume the mayoral position by succession.
Additional Legal Issues
Apart from the Ombudsman’s dismissal, Guo is facing several other legal challenges:
- Tax Evasion Complaint: The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a complaint against Guo for failing to pay P500,000 in taxes.
- Election-Related Complaint: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has served a subpoena to Guo concerning a material misrepresentation complaint.
- Human Trafficking Complaint: Guo is also facing a human trafficking complaint related to the raided POGO hub, which has been submitted for resolution to the Department of Justice. The complaint identifies her as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping,” with the National Bureau of Investigation confirming that Guo and the Chinese passport holder share the same fingerprints.
Ongoing Legal Battle
A petition to remove Alice Guo from office has also been filed in a Manila court, further complicating her legal situation.