Suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will miss the Senate investigation into the raided POGO hub in her town for the second time, according to her lawyer, Stephen David.
“[D]i siya maka-attend tomorrow sa Senate hearing. Traumatized siya sa Senate treatment sa kanya plus emotionally and physically drained siya sa dami ng accusations sa kanya,” David told GMA News Online in a text message on Tuesday. (She will not be able to attend tomorrow’s Senate hearing. She is traumatized by the Senate’s treatment towards her plus she is emotionally and physically drained due to the numerous accusations raised against her.)
Guo also sent a letter to Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, explaining that her physical and mental condition “has not improved and even worsened.” Despite seeking professional help, medical professionals “refused to issue a medical certificate” stating her condition, fearing similar humiliation and ridicule.
Guo decried the “malicious accusations” against her, stating that her dignity has been debased and her personal life mocked. She mentioned receiving death threats, which have heightened her fear for her safety. These challenges, she said, have taken a toll on her mental and physical health, making her unfit for a rigorous Senate hearing.
She emphasized that she harbors no “ill will or slightest intent to disrespect” the Senate committee and appealed for consideration of her situation.
Despite a subpoena and warnings from Senators Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian about possible contempt and arrest, Guo’s lawyer hinted that she would not attend due to her trauma from the investigation.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero committed to signing a warrant of arrest against Guo if a formal motion is made by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality. This committee, chaired by Hontiveros, is probing Guo’s alleged involvement in the illegal POGO hub in her town.
Guo’s citizenship has also come into question due to inconsistent testimonies and dubious documents regarding her Filipino citizenship. The National Bureau of Investigation found that Guo and Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping have the same fingerprints.
Guo and her family were subpoenaed by the Senate committee, but the subpoena was issued to Guo through her legal counsel. The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms has been unable to locate Guo at her farm in Bamban, Tarlac, and her farm helper claims not to know her whereabouts.
Guo has denied involvement in illegal POGO activities and insists she is a Filipino citizen.