Councilor Erano Timbang faces a monumental task: restoring order and reviving stalled projects in Bamban, Tarlac, after the dismissal and disappearance of Mayor Alice Guo amidst a storm of legal battles and allegations of corruption.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bamban, Tarlac finds itself under new leadership following the dismissal of Mayor Alice Guo, who remains at large amidst a web of controversies and legal battles. Councilor Erano Timbang, stepping into the role of acting mayor, vows to restore order and focus on the town’s stalled projects during his temporary tenure.
Timbang took his oath before Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on August 14 at Camp Crame, Quezon City, a move necessitated by the simultaneous dismissal of Guo and suspension of Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion. The acting mayor’s term is set to last three months, coinciding with the vice mayor’s suspension over his involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) controversy.
“Rest assured po na ang aking trabaho po bilang mayor ay gagawin ko po, ano man po ‘yong mga naantalang proyekto ng former administration. Lalo ko pong pagsisikapan na gawin ko ‘yung tungkuling iniatang sa akin ng gobyerno bilang acting mayor,” Timbang declared, emphasizing his commitment to fulfill his duties with diligence and transparency.
A Governance in Transition
The Local Government Code of 1991 provides for the replacement of the mayor by the vice mayor in cases of permanent vacancies. Similarly, the highest-ranking councilor can step into the role of vice mayor under such circumstances. With Mayor Guo’s dismissal and Vice Mayor Anunciacion’s suspension, Timbang, as the town’s top councilor, has risen to the occasion. Once Anunciacion’s suspension ends, Timbang is expected to transition into the vice mayor role, further stabilizing Bamban’s leadership.
This is not Timbang’s first brush with controversy. He was a respondent in an Ombudsman case filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. However, the Ombudsman cleared him of charges, citing a lack of merit, a decision that contrasts sharply with the outcomes faced by his colleagues.
The Downfall of Alice Guo
Alice Guo’s dismissal stems from a damning decision issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on August 12, later made public on August 13. Found guilty of grave misconduct, Guo faces dismissal from service, forfeiture of all retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from government service. In addition, twelve other Bamban officials were found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and were suspended for three months.
Guo’s legal troubles do not end there. She faces a trafficking complaint related to her alleged ties with a raided POGO in Bamban. While no warrant of arrest has been issued, the Department of Justice is currently resolving the complaint. If indicted, the case will proceed to court, where a warrant could then be issued.
Adding to her woes, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a tax evasion complaint against Guo over the alleged non-payment of capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax in a transaction involving the transfer of her Baofu shares to Jack Uy. The BIR claims this transaction resulted in an unpaid tax liability of ₱500,000.
The Shadow of Illegal POGOs
Bamban’s ongoing challenges are emblematic of broader issues surrounding illegal POGO operations in the Philippines. Senate probes into these activities have been met with resistance, with Guo and seven others snubbing multiple hearings despite due notices. This defiance prompted the Senate to issue arrest orders. While Guo’s former accountant has been detained, Guo herself remains elusive.
The implications of these scandals extend beyond Bamban, spotlighting the vulnerabilities in governance and law enforcement that enable such controversies. For Timbang, the challenges ahead are significant: not only must he address the immediate administrative tasks, but he also faces the responsibility of rebuilding trust among Bamban’s constituents.
“This is a moment of reckoning for Bamban,” a local observer remarked. “We need leadership that can rise above the controversies and put the town’s welfare first.”
As Erano Timbang assumes the mantle of acting mayor, Bamban’s residents await tangible actions that will signal a break from the past. Whether he can navigate this storm and usher in a period of stability and progress remains to be seen. For now, Bamban’s eyes are on the man tasked with leading them through one of the most turbulent chapters in the town’s history.
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Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang to Serve as Acting Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac Following Alice Guo’s Dismissal
In a significant leadership shakeup, Municipal Councilor Erano Timbang has been appointed to temporarily assume the role of mayor in Bamban, Tarlac. This announcement comes after the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Mayor Alice Guo for grave misconduct, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed on Wednesday.
Timbang’s appointment, effective for three months, aligns with protocols to ensure continuity of governance in the municipality. The councilor was recently absolved of any involvement in a controversial case linked to a POGO firm operating in Bamban.
“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,” Secretary Abalos explained to reporters. (He is a municipal councilor, but he opposed the issuance of a permit for the POGO firm. Since he opposed it, he was acquitted by the Ombudsman.)
The POGO firm, raided earlier under suspicion of irregular operations, had sought a permit to formalize its business in Bamban. Timbang’s firm stance against granting the permit was a pivotal factor in his acquittal by the anti-graft body.
Timbang will lead the municipality until the vice mayor, by the rules of succession, steps into the position. “Siya ngayon ang tatayong mayor for three months, kasi after three months tapos na ang vice mayor, by succession na ‘yan,” Abalos added.
The transition comes amidst public interest and concern over the governance of Bamban. Residents are watching closely as the leadership changes aim to restore trust and integrity in the municipal government.
Acting Mayor Vows to Restore Bamban’s Integrity After Dismissal of Mayor Guo
Camp Crame, Quezon City – In a ceremony held Wednesday afternoon, Erano formally assumed the position of Acting Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, administered by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. The transition comes in the wake of the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss suspended Mayor Guo for grave misconduct.
“Let us respect the court’s decision, which underwent due process,” Abalos urged during the ceremony.
The Ombudsman’s 25-page decision, released Tuesday, cited Mayor Guo’s involvement in a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub as evidence of her willful intent to violate the law. The decision imposes the forfeiture of Guo’s retirement benefits and her perpetual disqualification from public office.
“The series of acts are interconnected, leaving no other conclusion than that they were committed by Guo with ulterior motive or self-interest,” the ruling stated.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had earlier filed complaints accusing Guo and other officials of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and gross neglect of duty.
Community Leaders Face Repercussions
In addition to Guo’s dismissal, the Ombudsman ordered a three-month suspension for several Bamban officials, including Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, Municipal Legal Officer Adenn Sigua, and Business Permit and Licensing Officer Edwin Ocampo, among others. A total of 11 Sangguniang Bayan members also face suspension for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Acting Mayor’s Commitment
Addressing his constituents, Acting Mayor Erano expressed his sadness over the situation but vowed to restore the town’s dignity and press forward with development.
“On behalf of the municipality of Bamban, I am saddened by what happened to our town. Our town had to be known in this manner,” he said in his speech.
He assured residents that delayed projects from the previous administration would be prioritized.
“As acting mayor, I will work on the delayed projects and do my best in my duty assigned by the government,” he added.
As Bamban transitions under new leadership, the focus shifts to rebuilding trust and resuming progress. Erano’s administration faces the challenge of addressing the damage left by the controversies while ensuring the municipality’s growth remains on track.
The case has garnered widespread attention as it highlights the importance of accountability among public officials. Residents and officials alike hope this serves as a turning point for Bamban, paving the way for a brighter and more transparent future.