Municipal Councilor Eraño Timbang will temporarily assume office as acting mayor of Bamban, Tarlac following the dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Alice Guo.
Timbang took his oath before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon.
Sec. Abalos mentioned Timbang was chosen by the DILG to replace the dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, and he will serve for three months.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that after the three-month period, the vice mayor of Bamban will assume the role of mayor by succession, while Timbang will become the vice mayor.
On August 12, the Ombudsman found Mayor Alice Guo guilty of grave misconduct, resulting in her dismissal from service, forfeiture of all retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from government service.
The Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials, including Bamban Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service and was subjected to three-month suspension.
However, Abalos clarified that Timbang's decision-making authority will be limited.
"Ito 'yung mga usually na kinakailangan lamang mga pirmahin, mga sweldo etc," said Abalos.
"Pero ‘yung mga bagong kontrata, ‘yung mga malalaki, medyo may limitasyon tayo ng kaunti," he added.
Embattled Alice Guo is now facing complaints linking her to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban which eventually led to her dismissal.
