Senate investigation into Alice Guo’s claimed child with Mayor Calugay

The Senate investigation into Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) has taken a more personal turn as lawmakers scrutinized the background of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, whose real name is Guo Hua Ping.

At the heart of Tuesday’s Senate committee hearing on women were Guo and her alleged romantic relationship with Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay.

During the session, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the panel, presented information suggesting that Guo and Calugay might have a child together.

“In fact, we have information that you yourself told them that Guo Hua Ping is Mayor Calugay’s girlfriend,” Hontiveros said, addressing Cheryl Medina, Calugay’s executive assistant.

“Additionally, you supposedly mentioned to them that the two have a child together. What can you say about this?” the senator asked.

Medina firmly denied the claim, responding, “None, Your Honor, none at all.”

Hontiveros was quoted as saying in a report published by the Inquirer. Reminded Medina that she was testifying under oath and cautioned her about the consequences of withholding information, stating, “This means it’s not just you being fact-checked here. Others are also speaking up, and we are corroborating their statements.”

She added, “For the record, Cheryl, you are not our main target. We want to determine if Mayor Calugay used you as a front, but you could be implicated if you don’t tell the truth.”

Medina’s involvement in the probe arose after claims that she assisted Guo’s staff in notarizing a counter affidavit related to a human trafficking complaint filed with the Department of Justice.

Lawyer Elmer Galicia had earlier testified that Guo personally appeared before him for the notarization of the document on August 14, 2024. However, Guo herself admitted that she had already fled the country in July.

Though Medina acknowledged seeing Guo, she maintained that the former mayor had no business or romantic ties to Calugay.

Read related article: Alice Guo Denies Having Relationship with Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay.