POGO Mayor Cleared for Reelection Despite Pending Suspension: Comelec

The “POGO Mayor,” Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, has been given permission to compete for reelection in the midterm elections, the Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Thursday.

Guo’s continuous preventive suspension does not bar her from running for reelection, according to Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia. “An official suspension by the municipality does not lead to a conviction or verdict in the case. “She can still run in the interim,” Garcia said.

Guo’s campaign hasn’t faltered in the face of inquiries into her possible connections to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). In order to enable a thorough investigation of Guo’s identity and potential connections to POGOs in her community, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has asked for a precautionary suspension of her.

The Office of the Solicitor General, however, has opened an inquiry into Guo’s citizenship status due to claims that she is not legitimately holding or using her official office.

In the event that the charges are supported by evidence, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has affirmed that quo warranto procedures will be initiated to remove the accused from office.

Due to rumors about her criminal past and concerns regarding her citizenship, Guo’s candidacy has generated controversy.

Concerns have been raised during recent Senate hearings regarding her potential role in a multibillion dollar money laundering case in Singapore.

Although Guo’s background is still being investigated, her candidacy’s complexities and the greater difficulties with transparency and governance in Philippine politics are brought to light by her eligibility for reelection.

Original Story by: Asian Gaming Brief