The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct, citing her involvement in the operations of a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her locality.
In a 25-page decision, the Ombudsman found Guo guilty of willfully violating the law and disregarding established rules. The penalty includes her dismissal from service, forfeiture of all retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The Ombudsman emphasized that Guo’s actions, including issuing business permits to the POGO despite its lack of a fire safety inspection certificate, demonstrated a clear conflict of interest. The decision noted that Guo continued to benefit from the operations of Zun Yuan Technology, previously known as Hongsheng, the entity behind the POGO hub.
“This is a clear conflict of interest. The element of corruption, willful intent to violate the law, and to disregard established rules are all quite evident,” the Ombudsman stated.
Additionally, the Ombudsman criticized Guo for failing to investigate the illegal activities of the POGO hub, further implicating her in the misconduct.
Guo is also facing a human trafficking complaint in relation to the POGO hub, as well as a material misrepresentation complaint filed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The National Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that Guo and a Chinese passport holder named Guo Hua Ping, referenced in the complaint, are the same person based on fingerprint analysis.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman found several other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, suspending them for three months. The suspension may be converted into a fine equivalent to three months’ salary if the penalty cannot be enforced.
The decision against Guo may be appealed, and a quo warranto petition seeking her removal from office is also pending before a Manila court.