MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday said the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) should consider freezing all the assets of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.
In a statement, Estrada said doing so would be a crucial step to “prevent disposition of purported illegally acquired assets” of the suspended local chief executive.
“In light of recent allegations and emerging evidence on Mayor Guo, it is imperative that the AMLC take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of public funds, ensure accountability, and promote transparency,” said Estrada.
“The Anti-Money Laundering Council should consider studying the possibility of issuing an order to freeze all the assets of Guo,” he said.
According to Estrada, such a step will help the implementation of a thorough investigation into Guo’s involvement in illegal activities, including money laundering.
“This action should also prompt our authorities to thoroughly investigate the entangling web of illegal activities perpetrated in [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators],” he added.
Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman placed Guo under a six-month preventive suspension without pay due to her alleged ties to a Pogo firm, as well as questions concerning her citizenship.
READ: Pogo probe: Guo, 2 other Bamban execs suspended
A non-bailable offense of qualified human trafficking was also filed before the Department of Justice against Guo for her supposed link to Zun Yuan Technology Inc.
READ: Mayor Alice Guo, others face human trafficking complaint
The suspended mayor has been the subject of scrutiny after the Senate committee on women bared her alleged ties to an illegal Pogo hub in Bamban.
Guo, however, repeatedly denied all accusations hurled against her, including allegations of being a Chinese spy.