The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to file 62 money laundering charges against Alice Guo, former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, along with 30 co-accused, according to DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano.
Billions at Stake
In an ambush interview, Clavano revealed that the charges stem from illegal activities uncovered during a raid on Guo’s business operations. The DOJ alleges that these activities generated proceeds amounting to billions of pesos.
The DOJ panel of prosecutors recommended 26 counts under Section 4(a) and five counts under Section 4(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 against Guo. An additional 31 counts under Section 4(d) have been recommended against Guo, her family members, and others for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Notable Individuals Involved
Among the accused are prominent figures, including:
- Jian Zhong Guo, Lin Wenyi, Shiela Guo, and Seimen Guo (Alice Guo’s family members)
- Huang Zhiyang, dubbed the “boss of all bosses” in illegal POGO operations
- Dennis Cunanan, former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general
- Several other individuals linked to the case.
Court Filing Details
Clavano confirmed that the charges would be filed with a regional trial court in Manila. “The panel has been authorized to proceed, and the case will be filed as soon as possible,” he said.
Dismissals and Reforms
Some complaints under Sections 4(c) and 4(e) were dismissed due to insufficient evidence and low chances of conviction. These included allegations against Cassandra Li Ong, Jason Masuerte, and Nancy Gamo, which fell short of the DOJ’s prosecutorial standards.
“This shows the department’s commitment to reform. We won’t pursue cases unless we’re confident in securing a conviction,” Clavano emphasized.
Additional Legal Troubles
Alice Guo faces several other legal challenges, including:
- A qualified trafficking case in Pasig
- Graft charges in Valenzuela
- Cases of material misrepresentation in Tarlac
- Tax evasion, perjury, and falsification complaints with the DOJ
A quo warranto petition and a birth certificate cancellation request have also been filed against her.
Despite the mounting allegations, Guo denies all charges.