The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended the mayor of Porac town in Pampanga and nine other local officials over crimes linked to the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
The order signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires suspended Mayor Jaime Capil, Vice Mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, and councilors Rohner Buan, Rafael Canlapan, Adrian Carreon, Regin Clarete, Essel Joy David, Hilario Dimalanta, Michelle Santos, and John Nuevy Venzon. Licensing assistant/then officer-in-charge of Business and Licensing officer Emerald Vital was also suspended.
The suspension due to alleged gross neglect of duty will be for six months and without pay.
“In accordance with Section 27, par. (1), RA 6770 (Ombudsman law), this Order is immediately executory. Notwithstanding any motion, appeal, or petition that may be filed by respondents seeking relief from this Order, unless otherwise ordered by this Office or by any court of competent jurisdiction, the implementation of this Order shall not be interrupted within the period prescribed,” the Ombudsman said.
The Ombudsman’s decision came amid the ongoing multiple investigations on the proliferation of POGO-linked crimes within Porac and nearby Bamban, Tarlac.
GMA News Online is trying to reach the concerned local officials for their comments. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
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