By Gabriel Kim Leal
(September 12, 2024) – Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo on Thursday filed a counter-affidavit with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in response to the misrepresentation case filed against her.
Guo stressed that the misrepresentation case was premature, arguing that the accusations were based solely on findings from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). She added that they lacked proper authentication and comparative examination.
The Comelec previously gave Guo until September 12 to submit her response after granting her motion for an extension.
“Filing the counter-affidavit is a recognition of the exercise of jurisdiction of the Comelec. Now, we can terminate the preliminary investigation and proceed to the resolution of the controversy,” said Comelec chairperson George Garcia.
He confirmed that five other former candidates are facing a similar charge but declined to name them. The allegations involve discrepancies in their certificate of candidacy (COC), such as misstated age, address, voter registration, literacy, or citizenship.
“Hindi tayo nagsi-single out kay mayor Alice Guo lang, sapagkat regular kami na may misrepresentation cases. Maaari hindi lamang nababalita o hindi gaanong kilala ang mga kandidato,” noted Garcia.
The Comelec issued a subpoena against Guo last August 13 for providing false information, particularly her baptized name, in her COC in the 2022 elections. Guo won as mayor of Bamban despite having zero political experience. She earned 16,503 votes to narrowly beat her closest rival, Joey Salting, who received 16,035 votes.
The NBI verified that Guo has the same fingerprints as Chinese national “Guo Hua Ping.” Her identity was questioned in Congress due to her inconsistent remarks about her childhood.
Garcia warned future candidates against providing false information.
“Baka puwede review-hin mabuti ‘yung mga ilalagay sa COC. Hindi ‘yan basta-basta magsusulat sapagkat may implikasyon, hindi man admininstratibo, may implikasyon na kasong criminal,” said Garcia.
Guo is facing charges of human trafficking, money laundering, and graft due to her alleged links to Philippine offshore gaming operators.
She reportedly fled the country on July 18 and wasarrested in Indonesia on September 3. She was brought back to the Philippines last Friday.
(With reports from Mon Gualvez, News5)
(PM)
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