NBI files graft raps vs Guo, 35 others

MANILA, Philippines — Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and 35 others are facing graft and corruption charges filed yesterday by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Tax evasion and illegal land conversion were allegedly committed by Guo, a suspected Chinese spy, and 35 former and incumbent officials in Bamban, Tarlac.

Only P10,000 in real property taxes were paid by Guo and other Bamban officials, in connection with the illegal land conversion of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) property in the town with an appraised value of P3.9 billion, resigned NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.

Charges of graft and corruption and possession of prohibited interest by a public officer, as well as administrative charges of gross misconduct and serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service were filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping, is being held at the Pasig City Jail. She is facing complaints for money laundering and qualified human trafficking filed by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission over the POGO operations in Bamban.