Nagrekomenda ang Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ng “preventive suspension” laban kay Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
Sa isang pahayag nitong Biyernes, Mayo 17, sinabi ni DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos na bumuo sila noong Abril 5, 2024 ng “7-man Task Force,” na pinamumunuan ni Atty. Benjamin Zabala ng kanilang Internal Audit Service, para imbestigahan ang umano’y pagkakadawit ni Guo sa iligal na Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) sa lalawigan.
“The Task Force's updated report has been submitted today, May 17, 2024, to the Office of the Ombudsman for their appropriate action. Based on the report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications,” anang DILG.
“The DILG does not have the power to directly suspend or dismiss local officials. Hence, the DILG defers to the Ombudsman regarding any sanctions that may be imposed against Guo, in line with its disciplinary authority over elective officials of local governments under Section 21 of Republic Act No. 6770.”
Mayor ng Bamban, Tarlac, walang school at hospital records?
Kaugnay nito, inirerekomenda ng ahensya sa Ombudsman ang pag-isyu ng preventive suspension laban kay Guo.
“The DILG recommended to the Ombudsman the issuance of a preventive suspension against Mayor Guo, to prevent any influence on the continuing investigations of our and other agencies,” anang DILG.
“The DILG will continue to cooperate with the Ombudsman and other investigative bodies on this important issue, united in our shared mission of protecting our local institutions and furthering public interest,” dagdag nito.
Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan sa Senado ang naturang pagkakadawit umano ng alkalde sa POGO, kung saan kinuwestiyon din sa pagdinig ang tungkol sa identidad ng alkalde.
