A councilor who previously opposed the entry of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac, has temporarily assumed the role of mayor following the dismissal of Mayor Alice Guo by the Ombudsman this week. Guo was removed from office due to grave misconduct linked to illegal POGO operations in the town.
Councilor Erano Timbang will serve as acting mayor while Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion remains suspended for three months by the Ombudsman, also in connection with the POGO issue.
Timbang had earlier opposed the issuance of permits for the Bamban POGO, which was raided in March amid allegations of human trafficking. “I was the only one who opposed it… At that time, I was outnumbered,” Timbang said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
Currently, Bamban no longer hosts any POGO operations. “I have seen the difference between having POGOs and not having them,” Timbang added, though he declined to elaborate further, citing the ongoing court cases.
Timbang emphasized his administration’s focus on projects that will bring positive change and healing to Bamban, particularly in improving infrastructure for the betterment of daily life in the community.