Alice Guo Pleads Not Guilty to Graft Charges in Valenzuela Court

November 8, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Alice Guo has pleaded not guilty to graft cases filed against her by a Valenzuela Regional Trial Court (RTC). The dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor entered her not guilty plea on November 8, 2024. Her next hearing is scheduled on November 22 for presentation of evidence.

Valenzuela Regional Branch 285 Clerk of Court, Atty. Pascual Lacas Jr., confirmed that Alice Guo entered a not guilty plea to charges of violating Republic Act 3019 via videoconference.

“Alice Guo pleaded not guilty to both cases filed against her… these cases are related to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” he stated in an interview with GMA Network.

READ: Alice Guo Asks DOJ To Dismiss Perjury, Falsification Charges

The interior department filed the case last September, accusing Guo of using her position as mayor to grant a permit to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban, Tarlac. Prosecution claims that her actions violated the Philippine Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a law aimed at preventing corruption in public office.

READ: Comelec to File Charges Against Alice Guo for Alleged Misrepresentation

However, Guo has maintained her innocence, arguing that her interactions with government officials were legitimate and conducted transparently.

The legal proceedings have faced several delays. Her arraignment, originally scheduled for earlier in September 2024, was postponed due to procedural issues and scheduling conflicts.

READ: Electoral Campaign of Alice Guo was Allegedly “Arranged by Chinese State Security”

Despite the rescheduling, Guo was able to post bail in the amount of P540,000 (USD$9500), allowing her temporary freedom while awaiting trial.

Alice Guo, believed to be Guo Hua Ping, faces multiple legal issues such as qualified human trafficking in Pasig, while separate petitions have been filed to challenge her citizenship and cancel her birth certificate in Manila and Tarlac courts, respectively. Additionally, she faces a tax evasion complaint and 87 counts of money laundering with the Department of Justice.