Senators Call for Stricter Candidate Vetting To Prevent Other Unqualified Candidates Like Alice Guo

October 3, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Senators called for heightened vigilance among voters as the Philippines gears up for the 2025 mid-term elections. The focus of their concerns centers around the possibility of candidates like Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, being elected to public office despite her ongoing legal troubles.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero stressed the importance of public awareness in ensuring that unqualified candidates do not gain office. He highlighted the role of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), In a press briefing on October 2, 2024, Escudero was quoted as saying by the PNA, “May posibilidad pa rin yun. Trabaho nating lahat na maging mapagmatyag at tiyakin na hindi sana mangyari yun. At kung mangyayari man, agad mahuhuli.” (There is still that possibility. It is everyone’s job to be vigilant and ensure that this does not happen. And if it does, it will be caught immediately.)

Escudero outlined the qualifications needed to run for public office. He noted that a candidate can be disqualified if they do not meet certain criteria, including citizenship, age, residency, voter registration, and literacy. “Lima ang qualifications. Kung hindi mo taglay ang isa sa lima, pwede kang ipa-disqualify bilang isang kandidato,” he explained. (There are five qualifications. If you don’t qualify even in just one out of the five, you can be disqualified as a candidate.)

He further clarified that if a candidate, such as Guo, is proclaimed by the Comelec but later found to be unqualified or in violation of the law, a quo warranto can be issued to challenge their eligibility. Escudero urged citizens to provide relevant information regarding any deficiencies in candidates’ qualifications, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino echoed this sentiment, stating that public involvement is crucial. “That’s why the Comelec should be vigilant as well. While their function is ministerial to accept COCs, the general public and the intelligence community should assist,” Tolentino noted in a message to reporters.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III dismissed concerns over the potential election of a foreign national like Guo, who is currently facing accusations related to her citizenship status. “There are remedies too after the fact of election. As seen in the Alice Guo case. It is not worth it, as these unqualified persons stand to lose everything. Hence let’s not be too worried about it,” Pimentel said, adding that vigilance is necessary but panic is unwarranted. “There is a need to be vigilant, but no need to panic,” he stressed.

Senator Grace Poe framed the ongoing filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) as a crucial moment to filter out “illegal and undesirable individuals” from the electoral process. She emphasized the need for the Comelec to meticulously examine candidates’ documents and qualifications. “At the onset, Comelec should be able to screen stringently the aspirant’s documents and qualifications, such as the most basic requirement whether he or she is a Filipino,” Poe stated. “Concerned agencies should be vigilant and see to it that we don’t have another Alice Guo in our midst.”

The Comelec has faced criticism for its inability to pre-evaluate or reject COCs, even in cases involving candidates with multiple legal issues, such as Guo. Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco acknowledged this limitation, saying that while they cannot deny COCs upfront, a petition for cancellation or disqualification can be filed if a final decision is reached in any of Guo’s pending cases.

In response to Guo’s situation, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) affirmed its commitment to follow Comelec rules regarding her candidacy. BJMP spokesperson Jail Supt. Jayrex Bustinera explained, “The guidance from the Comelec is if she allowed to file and a court order has allowed her to file, we will follow.” He clarified that their primary responsibility is to ensure Guo’s safety during this process. “We will escort her if the court allows her to personally file her COC. But if she asks a representative to do it, it would be much better,” Bustinera added.

Guo is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory alongside 43 other inmates. The call for vigilance from senators highlights the need for a thorough vetting process to ensure that only qualified candidates are allowed to run for office, thereby preserving the integrity of the electoral system in the Philippines.