Ombudsman dismisses Porac Mayor Capil over POGO ties

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed Porac Mayor Jaime Capil from service over his alleged ties to a local Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) exposed last year.

Capil was found guilty of gross neglect of duty and ordered to forfeit his retirement benefits, with a lifetime ban from holding any government position.

The decision also includes the cancellation of Capil's eligibility for reemployment in government service and imposes a fine equivalent to one year’s salary payable to the Office of the Ombudsman or deducted from his retirement benefits.

Capil was earlier suspended following a graft complaint filed against him, which included allegations of issuing business permits despite non-compliance with mandatory requirements and failure to address reports of illegal activities within Lucky South 99 POGO premises.

The Ombudsman dismissed complaints against other respondents who were former members of the Porac local government after an investigation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Capil confirmed receiving the decision, expressing his belief in true justice and readiness to fight for truth and justice through legal remedies.

Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo was also dismissed from government service and jailed for her involvement with illegal POGO operations.