THINGS just keeps getting complicated for Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo as she and two others have been suspended by the Ombudsman for up to six months.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government filed graft complaints against Guo.
This was in particular to the reported involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in her locality.
The DILG complaint which was filed with the Office of the Ombudsman on May 24 came from the issuance of a permit to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. despite the company failing to complete the requirements and having an expired license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
“Given [the] respondents’ power and authority, there is a strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case,” the Ombudsman said.
It will be recalled that on March 13, the authorities raided a 10-hectare area that was operated by Zun Yuan Technology Inc.
They found several devices linked to POGO operations. Over 600 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued during the raid.
The complex was previously raided in 2023 when it was operated by Hongsheng Technology Inc., which is now being linked to Guo.
Guo, whose nationality as a Filipino is being questioned by lawmakers, was also said to be part as an incorporator of Baofu Land Development Inc., which owns the land where the complex — home to over 36 buildings, a swimming pool, and luxury cars — is located.
Guo has denied links to POGO operations.
