Bail for Alice Guo Tripled; Dismissed Mayor Will Remain Detained Even After Posting Bail

September 23, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, posted bail on September 20, 2024 for graft charges but will remain in detention due to additional cases and contempt orders from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Guo secured her release by posting ₱540,000 bail at the Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court Branch 282. The graft charges arise from a complaint by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, linked to her alleged involvement with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban.

Her arraignment, scheduled for Friday, was postponed after her legal team filed a motion to quash the information. Both sides have until September 25 to respond to this motion.

The Valenzuela court approved the tripling of Guo’s bail, citing her prior international travel as evidence of her ability to pay. During the court proceedings, Guo appeared composed as she listened to over an hour of discussions, with police providing her security.

“Tanggap na nya and situation, nag-sink na sa kanya and mga pangyayari. (She has accepted the situation). As I have said, you just have to leave it to the Lord because he has a better purpose for all that is happening right now,” Guo’s lawyer, Stephen David was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA News.

However, shortly after posting bail, Guo was rearrested due to charges pending in Pasig RTC. She was taken from the Valenzuela court to Camp Crame for a medical examination.

The Pasig RTC Branch 167 has ordered Guo’s transfer to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory in connection with a qualified trafficking case, which is non-bailable. Reports indicate that the dormitory is currently overcrowded, housing over 40 inmates despite its intended capacity of nine.

Additionally, Guo faces 87 counts of money laundering filed with the Department of Justice. She is also involved in a quo warranto petition and a separate case seeking to cancel her birth certificate.

Guo has denied all allegations against her and maintains her innocence. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has confirmed that she will not receive any special treatment while in detention.