The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct. This decision includes the forfeiture of all her retirement benefits and a perpetual disqualification from public office.
Misconduct and Involvement in POGO Hub
The Ombudsman’s 25-page decision highlights Guo’s involvement in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban as evidence of her willful intent to violate the law. The complaint, filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, accused Guo and other local officials of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Findings of the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman noted that Guo remained the real president of Baofu Land Development, Inc., benefiting from the operations of Hongsheng and Zun Yuan, entities linked to the raided POGO hub. This conflict of interest, alongside her failure to investigate the POGO’s illegal activities and her issuance of business permits without a fire safety inspection certificate, led to her dismissal.
Additional Legal Actions
Aside from her dismissal, Guo faces a human trafficking complaint related to the POGO hub. The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Guo and Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping have identical fingerprints. A quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra seeks to permanently bar her from running for any elective public position.
Suspensions and Fines
The Ombudsman also found several other officials, including Bamban Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. They were suspended for three months. If the penalties cannot be imposed, they will be converted into fines equivalent to their salaries for the duration of the suspension.
Future Proceedings
The Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Guo can be appealed. The quo warranto petition, if successful, will ensure her ineligibility for future public office.