Alice Guo Camp to Appeal Ombudsman Dismissal Order

August 15, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Alice Guo will file a motion for reconsideration following dismissal by the Ombudsman

The legal team of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is set to file a motion for reconsideration after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered her dismissal from office. Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, expressed disappointment over the Ombudsman’s decision, stating that it failed to acknowledge the merits of Guo’s defense.

“It’s unfortunate that the Ombudsman did not see the merit of Guo’s arguments,” David was quoted as saying in an August 14 report published by GMA Network. He confirmed that they are preparing to file a Motion for Reconsideration, which is a necessary step before elevating the case to the Court of Appeals.

The Ombudsman had ordered Guo’s dismissal for grave misconduct, which includes the forfeiture of all her retirement benefits and a perpetual ban from holding public office. The decision was based on her alleged involvement in the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, which was raided by authorities. The Ombudsman cited Guo’s actions as demonstrating “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules.”

In the interim, Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang has been appointed to serve as Bamban’s acting mayor for the next three months. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed the appointment, noting that Timbang was not implicated in the Ombudsman’s order because he had opposed the issuance of a permit to the raided POGO firm.

“Konsehal siya ng Sangguniang Bayan. Councilor siya pero nag-oppose nung kinukuha ang permit. Since he opposed, he was absolved or acquitted by the Ombudsman,” Abalos explained to reporters.

“Siya ngayon ang tatayong mayor for three months, kasi after three months tapos na ang vice mayor, by succession na ‘yan,” Abalos added.

In addition to her legal battles with the Ombudsman, Guo is also facing a tax evasion complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) earlier on Wednesday. The BIR alleges that Guo failed to pay taxes amounting to Php500,000.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections served a subpoena to Guo on August 13 in relation to a material misrepresentation complaint filed against her. Comelec representatives delivered the document to the address listed on Guo’s certificate of candidacy, as well as to her office in Bamban, as part of the preliminary investigation into the case.

Guo is also contending with a human trafficking complaint related to the raided POGO hub. The complaint, which has been submitted to the Department of Justice for resolution, refers to her as “a.k.a Guo Hua Ping.” The National Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that the fingerprints of Alice Guo and Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping are identical.

Moreover, a petition seeking to remove Alice Guo from office has been filed in a Manila court, further complicating her legal challenges as she fights to overturn the Ombudsman’s decision.