📷Abogado
THE Office of the Ombudsman could not possibly issue a preventive suspension order against the embattled Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, unless the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) files a formal complaint.
According to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, the DILG transmittal on Friday (May 17) does not speak well of what they’re supposed to do, adding that the letter is a mere fact-finding report which they could not use as basis for any issuance.
Martires added that the letter wasn’t even signed, for which the Ombudsman suggested that the DILG file a complaint and attach necessary documents so they could examine and investigate the allegations made against Guo.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier hinted at the creation of a task force to look into Guo’s alleged links to the illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator in Bamban, Tarlac.
“Based on the [task force’s] report, there are troubling findings of serious illegal acts which may have severe legal implications,” Abalos told newsmen in an interview.
It was then that the DILG chief said that a recommendation to suspend Guo was sent to the Office of the Ombudsman, in what he described as an earnest effort to ensure an investigation free from external intervention or political machinations.
As this developed, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap admitted Guo sought her help amid the grilling at the Senate investigation. Both of them are members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).
“The first time I saw her… she was crying, and she was saying, you know, ‘Natatakot ako.’ Syempre iba yung senado. Kaya ko bang harapin?” Yap quoted Guo.
“You just try to be truthful. Prepare your documents,” Yap responded. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
