SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday said the dismissal of Porac. Pampanga Mayor Jaime Capil should send a “strong message” that local leaders should not tolerate the conduct of illegal activities in their areas.
The Office of the Ombudsman has found Capil liable for gross neglect of duty and ordered his dismissal from office in connection with the unabated operation of the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) facility formerly run by Lucky South 99 in Porac.
The Ombudsman also ordered the forfeiture of Capil’s retirement benefits, aside from imposing a lifetime ban from holding any government position.
In a statement, Gatchalian said the Ombudsman’s decision should serve as a warning to public officials that they will be held accountable and have to “face the consequences of their actions” if they turn a blind eye to or get involved in illegal activities.
“The Ombudsman’s decision gives us confidence that other LGUs and public officials who are similarly involved in criminal activities, such as POGOs, will face the repercussions of their wrongdoing,” he said.
He added that this should “serve as a deterrent to future misconduct by other government officials.”
The Ombudsman has earlier suspended Capil and other local officials over accusations that they failed to oversee the business permit process and address reports of illegal activities in relation to the operation of the POGO hub.
The case was filed by the Department of Interior and Local Government after the raid of Lucky South in June 2023.
Gatchalian said: “Magsilbi sana itong babala sa mga local na pamahalaan na maging tapat sa pagseserbisyo dahil kung hindi ay mananagot sila sa batas (May this serve as a warning to all local government officials to be faithful to their sworn duties otherwise they will be held liable).”
