Ombudsman suspends Porac mayor, vice mayor over POGO neglect

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of Porac Mayor Jaime Capil, Vice Mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, and ten other local officials for six months without pay.

This suspension stems from an administrative complaint filed by the Department of Interior and Local Government for alleged gross neglect of duty concerning crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga.

The complaint alleges that Mayor Capil failed to verify business permit documents for Lucky South 99 and did not act on reports of criminal activities within its premises.

Further neglect was cited when Mayor Capil issued a business permit to Lucky South 99 despite its PAGCOR license expiring prior to the permit's validity.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires signed the suspension order, which is immediately executory.

Senator Win Gatchalian stated that the suspension serves as a lesson for other local officials who tolerate illegal Pogo operations, commending the Ombudsman's swift action.

He urged LGUs to not ignore criminal activities and to work to eliminate them, stating, "Huwag tayong magmaang-maangan sa mga kriminalidad na nangyayari sa ating mga lugar dahil obligasyon natin na linisin ang ating mga lugar ng mga gawaing labag sa batas."

This development occurs amidst President Bongbong Marcos' directive for a nationwide ban on Pogos, with operations to cease by the end of 2024.