MANILA – The camp of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo is planning to appeal the dismissal order released by the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday.
Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, said in a statement that it was unfortunate that the Ombudsman did not see the merit of Guo’s arguments.
“Nonetheless, we are preparing for a Motion for Reconsideration as a prerequisite for filing an appeal with rhetorical Court of Appeals,” David said.
The Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Guo for grave misconduct with forfeiture of all her retirement benefits as well as perpetual disqualification from public office.
According to the Ombudsman, Guo’s acts such as her involvement in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her locality showed a “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government has sworn in Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang as the town mayor for three months.
According to Secretary Benhur Abalos, Timbang was not included in the dismissal order because he opposed the issuance of permit to the raided POGO firm in the municipality.
“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 said.
He added: “Siya ngayon ang tatayong mayor for three months, kasi after three months tapos na ang (suspension ni) vice mayor (Leonardo Anunciacion), by succession na ‘yan.”/PN
