Alice Guo lawyer insists former mayor is still in PH

Tensions are escalating over the whereabouts of Alice Guo, also known as the Chinese national Guo Hua Ping. Reports have emerged suggesting that Guo left the Philippines on July 18, 2024 for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and subsequently traveled through Southeast Asia.

Senator Risa Hontiveros initially reported that Guo departed the country on July 18. This claim was later supported by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, which indicated that Guo had visited several countries, including Indonesia. Additionally, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco stated that Guo might have exited the country without going through official immigration channels.

However, Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, has disputed these claims. David, who spoke with Guo on August 19, asserts that she remains in the Philippines.

“Siyempre hindi ko mako-confirm ‘yan. Siguro yung kanilang report, may basehan sila. Pero sa akin kasi, kausap ko kasi yung client ko, sabi niya nasa Pilipinas naman siya,” David was quoted as saying in an Unang Balita interview.

David challenged authorities to provide concrete evidence, such as video footage, to prove otherwise. “Kung meron silang ebidensya na nandoon siya sa Malaysia o Singapore, kung saan man ‘yan, malawak naman ang kamay ng ating batas. Meron naman sila sigurong mga coordination sa mga pulis doon. Kuhanan nila ng video o ano na nandoon talaga siya,” he said.

David emphasized his faith in the integrity of Atty. Elmer Galicia, who is said to have notarized Guo’s counter-affidavit on August 14 in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

The counter-affidavit was filed in response to a qualified human trafficking complaint related to the raid on a Philippine Overseas Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban, where over 800 foreign nationals were rescued. David asserted that he trusts Galicia’s actions and believes Guo’s current location is still within the Philippines.

“Kaya ako, hindi ako naniniwala na wala siya sa Pilipinas kasi nga bakit, isang abugado na may pangalan nananahimik ang buhay mo, bakit mo guguluhin para magpirma sa isang kasinungalingan, ‘di ba?” David said.

Despite ongoing speculation about Guo’s whereabouts, David believes that Guo will eventually appear “in due time” once she feels secure.

Adding to the confusion, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed that a staff member from his office visited the law firm in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, which supposedly notarized Guo’s counter-affidavit. The firm confirmed its existence but reported that Atty. Elmer Galicia, who was purportedly present for Guo’s notarization on August 14, was not at the office during the visit. Gatchalian has called for Galicia to be summoned in the next Senate hearing to clarify whether Guo indeed appeared in person.

Despite these conflicting accounts, Justice spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano stated that the Department of Justice has not received any official departure reports from the Bureau of Immigration.

“As far as we know, Mayor Guo is still in the country,” Clavano said. He emphasized the significance of the case and the need for a thorough investigation if it turns out that Guo has indeed left the Philippines.

The DOJ is continuing to gather information from immigration and national investigation agencies to resolve the matter. The dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor also faces a tax evasion complaint from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Read related article: Alice Guo Left PH in July Using PH Passport, Says Senator Risa Hontiveros