Bamban, Tarlac – The local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Bamban has confirmed it will accept the Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) from dismissed mayor Alice Guo for the 2025 national elections, despite her previous controversies.
Bamban Comelec Officer Edmund Salvador stated in a 24 Oras report that Guo’s filing was unexpected but not surprising, explaining that until a final court decision is made, she is eligible to run for office. “As long as a person isn’t convicted, she can still run for any position,” Salvador clarified.
Guo, who was dismissed due to allegations of involvement with illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), intends to pursue her candidacy for mayor, as confirmed by her legal team. Attorney Stephen David, her lawyer, emphasized that it is up to the voters to decide her fitness for office: “The public must be the ones to judge if she is the one who should govern.”
David also pointed out that legal challenges regarding her alleged Chinese nationality remain unresolved, and no final court rulings have been issued. This pending status allows Guo to continue her political ambitions.
Comelec will ultimately decide on Guo’s qualifications, according to David, who mentioned that their team is appealing rulings by the Ombudsman and that higher courts, including the Supreme Court, have yet to rule on her case.
While Guo can still file her CoC, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has indicated plans to block her candidacy, questioning her Filipino citizenship and accusing her of using falsified documents.
If Guo is permitted to run, she will face tough competition from several local political figures, including acting Mayor Erano Timbang, Tarlac Ex-Officio Board Member Jose Salting Jr., former Mayor Jose Antonio Feliciano, and former Councilor Rodolfo Escoto.
As of now, no information has been released regarding who will officially submit Guo’s CoC on her behalf.