By NATIONAL – The nationwide spotlight is on Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, as a Senate investigation delves into her alleged role in facilitating a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in the municipality. The probe intensified following a raid on the POGO facility in Marsokun, where over 800 workers, hailing from various countries, were discovered without valid working permits. Adding to the complexity, the facility is partly owned by Baofu Land Development Inc., a company co-owned by Guo.
In response, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recommended Guo’s suspension to the Ombudsman. The DILG has directed the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to initiate proceedings to revoke Guo’s authority over the Philippine National Police (PNP) in her jurisdiction.
The Filipino citizenship of Guo has also become a significant concern in the Senate due to her evasive responses to questions from senators regarding details of her life. Senator Riza Hontiveros raised alarms about the possibility of the facility in Bamban being used for surveillance and several hacking incidents on government websites.
Currently, the Senate continues its investigation into the identity of Alice Guo, her involvement in the raided POGO hub in Bamban, and even her connections to criminals Zhang Ruijin and Lin Baoying, who were implicated in Singapore’s largest money laundering case this April.
Next Wednesday, June 5, the Senate has arranged a comprehensive executive session to delve into the matters surrounding the mayor./PT
