Ex-Mayor Faces Senate Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Criminal Ties
Former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, recently deported from Indonesia, faced a contentious Senate hearing. Guo denied links to Chinese syndicates and evaded questions, leading to a contempt citation.
In a tense Senate hearing on September 9, 2024, former Bamban mayor Alice Guo faced intense scrutiny over alleged connections to Chinese criminal syndicates and her recent escape from the Philippines. The 38-year-old ex-official, who was arrested in Indonesia and deported back to her home country, appeared before the Senate investigative panel wearing a bulletproof vest.
Guo consistently evaded questions, citing death threats and ongoing legal cases as reasons for her limited responses. This evasive behavior led to frustration among senators, culminating in a second contempt citation against her. The first such citation occurred in July 2024 when Guo failed to appear at a previous hearing.
The Senate investigation into Guo began in May 2024 following a casino raid in Bamban, a municipality in Tarlac province. Law enforcement uncovered what they described as scam operations on property partially owned by Guo. This incident raised concerns about the activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which primarily target Chinese customers.
Guo's legal troubles extend beyond the Senate inquiry. The Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body responsible for investigating government officials, removed her from office in August 2024 for grave misconduct. She currently faces graft charges in a Philippine trial court and a money laundering complaint with the Department of Justice.
During the hearing, senators questioned Guo's nationality, presenting evidence from the National Bureau of Investigation that suggested her fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. This revelation further complicated the already contentious proceedings.
When asked about her escape from the Philippines in July 2024, Guo provided limited details, stating that she and her companions left on a yacht with assistance from an unidentified Asian woman before transferring to a larger vessel. Her journey reportedly took her through Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia before her eventual arrest.
The case has captured public attention in the Philippines, occurring against a backdrop of escalating tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on Guo to disclose information about POGOs' involvement in criminal activities, following his decision to ban the online gambling industry in July 2024.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, known for her advocacy on health and women's rights, led the committee hearing and moved to cite Guo in contempt for false and evasive testimony. The motion passed quickly, reflecting the senators' frustration with Guo's lack of cooperation.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in Philippine governance, including issues of graft, corruption, and the influence of foreign criminal elements. As the investigation continues, it may have broader implications for the country's efforts to strengthen maritime security and assert its territorial claims in the region.
"I move to cite Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, in contempt of the Senate for testifying falsely and evasively before this committee."
The Senate's pursuit of transparency in this case underscores the Philippines' commitment to addressing complex issues at the intersection of local governance, international crime, and regional geopolitics.
