Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has called for former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to be placed under Senate custody following her return to the Philippines after being arrested in Indonesia. Hontiveros emphasized that the Senate has the first standing arrest warrant against Guo, who is set to face a hearing on Monday.
“She should be detained in the Senate first,” Hontiveros said, adding that the Senate inquiry triggered the manhunt for Guo and that the arrest warrant issued by the Senate was used by law enforcement in Jakarta.
Guo is under scrutiny for her involvement with Baofu Land Development Inc., the owner of the land where a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub was raided in March, resulting in the rescue of around 600 individuals.
A Tarlac court has also issued a warrant against Guo in connection with a graft case, but Hontiveros questioned the jurisdiction, citing that cases against mayors should fall under the Sandiganbayan, not a local court.
Hontiveros further pointed out that if Guo refuses to post bail, it suggests she prefers being detained under the PNP rather than the Senate.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero relayed that the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will bring Guo to the Tarlac court due to the judge’s request for her physical presence. If Guo does not post bail, she will remain in PNP custody, and the Senate may need court approval to have her attend the hearing.