On Saturday, June 1 2024, the picturesque SPA Multi-Purpose Court of San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo was the stage for the grand finale of the Festival “The Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo”. The event, organized by the Embassy of Italy together with the Canossa-Tondo Children’s Foundation and supported by numerous generous sponsors (Megaworld, VFS Global, L’Opera, Magsaysay, Philippine Italian Association, Rustan’s, SMEG, Velocita’ Motors Inc., Xanadu, Caruso, Cibo, Da Gianni, Focus Global, Italfood Inc. and Tavolo), celebrated the 78th Republic Day of Italy, traditionally celebrated on June 2 in Italy, with an Italian Talent Show. The program of the event was an engaging storytelling, portraying the journey of eight children of Tondo and their experience first inside the Nave Morosini, which led them to the other events organized by the Embassy (Children Christmas Party, Cooking workshop, Italian Sport Fest among others) and ultimately inspired them to travel in Italy. The program kicked off with a video presentation, expressing gratitude to all sponsors, followed by the Doxology and the National Anthems of the Philippines and Italy. Then, messages from distinguished personalities including Hon. Honey Lacuna-Pangan (Manila Mayor), Ms. Tess F. Carmelo (CTCFI Managing Directress), Fr. Giovanni Gentilin, FdCC (CTCFI Founder and Vice President), Archbishop Nuncio Charles Brown, and Ambassador Marco Clemente were conveyed. The highlight of the evening was the series of 15 performances during which famous personalities of Italian culture were introduced to the audience (Dante, Leornardo da Vinci, Maria Montessori…) and traditional songs and dances were performed by the students beneficiaries of the Canossa-Tondo Children’s Foundation Inc. These performances displayed the incredible talent of the Youth of Tondo who delighted the audience with their skill in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. All the spectators were in awe, uplifted after such an amazing night, which brought joy and fun as it celebrated the significance of Italian Republic Day and concluded on a high note the series of events part of “The Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo”.

Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has vehemently denied any involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations and has asserted that she is not responsible for the illegal operations and raid on Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated and pointed to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which regulates POGOs, as the entity responsible. Despite her claims of innocence, Mayor Guo’s name continues to be entangled in the issue. She insists that the real issue is the raid on Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, stemming from allegations of human trafficking, illegal detention, and other serious offenses. Mayor Guo highlighted the fact that local government units (LGUs) have no authority over POGO operations, which are solely under the purview of PAGCOR, who issues licenses and regulates the industry. Mayor Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Nicole Jamilla, emphasized that the LGU’s role is limited to administrative duties, such as issuing business permits. Atty. Jamilla insisted that Mayor Guo has not violated the Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, based on the complaint filed with the Office of the Ombudsman. Atty. Jamilla explained that Mayor Guo did not engage in any act of manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence, which are the key elements for a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. She further explained that the issuance of the business permit to Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated by the LGU was based on the process and recommendations of PAGCOR, and that the LGU’s failure to immediately revoke the business permit was due to the due process that needs to be followed. “Mayor Guo is the victim here. She is unfairly implicated in issues that are rooted in the regulatory responsibilities of PAGCOR. The lack of necessary elements under RA 3019, Section 3(e), proves that the accusations lack a strong basis,” Atty. Jamilla stated. Meanwhile, Mayor Guo continues to maintain her innocence, expressing disappointment about the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman while assuring the public she will comply with the order. “I respect the legal process and accept the Ombudsman’s decision. I want to reiterate that I am innocent and I have served our town and its people with integrity. I believe this is an opportunity to clarify the accusations against me. I am ready to cooperate with the authorities to ensure truth and justice,” Mayor Guo stated in her statement. Mayor Guo expressed her gratitude for the continued support and love she has received from the residents of Bamban, Tarlac. “I am deeply saddened by the false and hurtful accusations. It feels like I have been condemned before even being heard. This is a violation of my rights as a person and as a leader chosen by your votes. However, I will not give up, and I will continue to defend my integrity and my character,” she asserted. Mayor Guo acknowledges that her fight has just begun and she won’t give up for the residents who believe in her. “I am still here, ready to help, for all the youth of Bamban, for all the elderly, men, women, even the LGBTQ, for all the oppressed, the weak, the hopeless, for all the vulnerable and disadvantaged, for the businessmen, teachers, students, TODA, religious groups, farmers groups, indigenous peoples, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and for all the people of Bamban. This is just the beginning. I will not abandon you,” Mayor Guo concluded.