Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo pleaded not guilty to graft charges during a videoconference before the Valenzuela Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday. Guo is facing charges related to the violation of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Atty. Pascual Lacas Jr., the clerk of court for Valenzuela RTC Branch 285, confirmed that Guo entered a not guilty plea on both charges. “She was asked if she understands English well, and she confirmed her preference for the proceedings to be read in English,” he added.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 22, where evidence will be presented. Guo waived her right to attend future hearings in person, according to the RTC.
In September, Guo posted bail of P540,000, but she remains detained at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory. Identified as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, she is also dealing with multiple legal issues, including a qualified human trafficking case in Pasig, a quo warranto petition in Manila, and a petition to cancel her birth certificate in Tarlac. Additionally, she faces a tax evasion complaint and 87 counts of money laundering under investigation by the Department of Justice.