Porac, Pampanga Mayor Jing Capil faces the Senate on July 10, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsQUEZON CITY (UPDATED) – The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended Porac, Pampanga mayor Jaime Capil, vice mayor Francis Tamayo and nine other local officials for gross neglect of duty over Lucky South 99, the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in the municipality.

The suspension order was signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Monday. It stemmed from the administrative complaint filed by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The DILG investigated the alleged involvement of certain local government officials of Porac, Pampanga in illegal POGO operations in their locality.

In the complaint, it alleged that Mayor Capil failed to check the regularity of the documents of Lucky South 99's business permit applications and failed to act appropriately on reports of criminal activities inside the POGO's premises.

The DILG also argued that Mayor Capil's neglect of duty was clear when he signed/issued a business permit to Lucky South 99 until December 31,2023 despite its PAGCOR license expiring October of the same year.

READ: Senators confront Porac mayor over 'non-action' vs illegal POGO

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Aside from Capil and Tamayo, the Ombudsman also suspended Emerald Vital, Licensing Assistant and then Officer-in-Charge of the Business Permit and Licensing Office.

Councilors Rohner Buan, Rafael Canlapan, Adrian Carreon, Regin Clarete, Essel Joy David, Hilario Dimalanta, Michelle Santos and John Nuevy Venzon were also suspended.

The complaint alleged that the above-mentioned officials failed to enact an ordinance or resolution to prevent criminal activities within Lucky South 99's premises.

"Without delving into the merits of the case and without prejudging the same, there are sufficient grounds to hold that the evidence of guilt is strong at this time against the following incument officials of the Municipal government of Porac, Pampanga," the Ombudsman said.

"Given respondents authority, there is strong probability that they may influence witnesses or tamper with any evidence material to the case, and in order to likewise prevent any possible acts of malfeasance and/or misfeasance, hence, this Preventive Suspension," it added.

The preventive suspension will last for six months and the officials will not receive pay.

"In accordance with Section 27, par. (1), RA 6770, 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 order read.

Senator Win Gatchalian lauded the Office of the Ombudsman for its "swift action."

"This should serve as a lesson for local officials out there who continue to tolerate illegal operations of POGOs in their localities despite the President’s directive for a total ban," Gatchalian said in a statement.

"Local officials should never turn a blind eye to illegal activities of criminal syndicates in their areas as they will eventually face the consequences of their actions," he added. "Huwag tayong magmaang-maangan sa mga kriminalidad na nangyayari sa ating mga lugar dahil obligasyon natin na linisin ang ating mga lugar ng mga gawaing labag sa batas."

During his State of the Nation Address in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered all Philippine offshore gaming operators to cease operations by the end of the year due to their involvement in criminal activities.

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