Suspended Tarlac mayor files motion for reconsideration, denies baseless accusations

Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo filed a motion for reconsideration with the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday and Wednesday, June 5, arguing that the complaints against her are baseless.

Guo claims the accusations are distorted and exaggerated stories aimed at discrediting her involvement in criminal activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and asserts that none of her actions broke any laws.

The Ombudsman suspended Guo based on an administrative complaint filed by DILG Undersecretary Juan Victor Llamas, alleging grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

Guo's motion maintains that she legally purchased a seven-hectare land and entered into contracts to sell it with the original owners, forming her share in Baofu Land Development Inc., and argues that divesting her shares is separate from selling her investment in the land.

She noted that the issuance of business permits for POGO companies was not irregular or unlawful and challenged the Ombudsman's order suspending her for six months due to a lack of strong evidence.

Guo was also ordered suspended alongside Municipal Business Permits and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo and Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua following an investigation into POGO business permit issuance.