The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to formally charge dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo in court for alleged material misrepresentation in her candidacy during the 2022 elections.
According to Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia, this action follows Guo’s failure to submit a motion for reconsideration (MR) against a prior resolution issued by the poll body.
“Based on our records, former Mayor Alice Guo did not file an MR, so our law department is now preparing to file a case at the Tarlac Regional Trial Court for material misrepresentation, which is a violation of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC),” Garcia stated.
The charges stem from Section 74 of the OEC, relating to Section 262, which the Comelec had previously recommended filing in court.
In addition to the charges, Comelec intends to request a change of venue for the trial, citing concerns for the safety and security of their witnesses and legal team. “This isn’t due to a lack of trust in the courts. Comelec has full confidence in the judiciary, but we are responsible for ensuring the safety of our witnesses and lawyers,” Garcia added.
Aside from this case, Guo faces multiple legal challenges, including graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, all linked to her involvement with the Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban.
Guo, who was dismissed from office in August, has since had her Philippine passport canceled after authorities discovered that her biometrics matched those of a Chinese passport holder, Guo Hua Ping. Although she initially expressed interest in running in the 2025 midterm elections, she has since withdrawn from seeking re-election.