Alice Guo appeals for ‘fair probe’

MANILA – Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo submitted to Malacañang a letter appealing for a fair investigation into allegations being hurled against her, including her supposed involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities.

In her seven-page letter to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who also chairs the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Guo vehemently denied accusations of espionage, money laundering, human trafficking, kidnapping, and involvement in illegal POGO operations.

Guo’s letter was submitted to Bersamin’s office by her legal representatives on Tuesday.

“It is simply a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary as the Chairman of the PAOCC just expressing the Mayor's intention that she is one with the Commission to uncover the truth and for justice to prevail,” lawyer Lorelei Santos of David and Jamilla Law Offices told Palace reporters.

When asked if Guo was seeking a fair probe, Santos responded: “Yes, in summary that is our request.”

Over the weekend, the PAOCC said it is set to file "serious" and "non-bailable criminal charges" against Guo in the coming days after finding evidence of her involvement in the illegal POGO operations in her jurisdiction.

Guo, whose identity and citizenship have been placed under scrutiny, was placed under a six-month preventive suspension without pay by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 31 following the administrative complaints of the Department of the Interior and Local Government for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has also conducted an inquiry into the issues sorrounding Guo.

The PAOCC said it is also looking into the possible link between illegal POGO operations in Bamban, Tarlac and the ones recently raided in Porac, Pampanga. (PNA)