Alice Guo passport gets canceled; Comelec says Guo needs TRO to continue election bid

October 7, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has stated that it will accept the certificate of candidacy (COC) of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo if she decides to file it for the 2025 elections. However, Comelec Chairman George Garcia warned that Guo may face disqualification unless she secures a temporary restraining order (TRO) against her legal troubles.

During a media briefing in Manila on October 5, 2024, Garcia highlighted the potential grounds for Guo’s disqualification. He explained that a declaration of her as a nuisance candidate, a petition aimed at canceling her COC due to issues surrounding her age and citizenship, and the Ombudsman’s decision to impose a perpetual disqualification from holding public office are key factors.

“Kapag ang isang tao na-perpetually disqualified to hold public office dahil may decision of the Office of Ombudsman, ika-cancel po ang candidacy niya kahit pa yung taong ‘yan ay naka-appeal sa Court of Appeals (CA), unless mag-issue ng TRO ang CA doon sa kanyang kaso sa Office of the Ombudsman),” Garcia was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network. (When a person is perpetually disqualified from holding public office due to a decision by the Office of the Ombudsman, their candidacy will be canceled even if that person has appealed to the Court of Appeals, unless the CA issues a TRO in their case against the Office of the Ombudsman.)

Garcia appealed for understanding from the public, emphasizing that if Guo files her COC, Comelec would have no choice but to accept it. “‘Pag nag-file, sana maunawaan po lang, ‘pag nag-file, no choice po ang Comelec kundi tanggapin ang filing ng COC,” he mentioned during an interview. (If she files, I hope you understand that Comelec has no choice but to accept the filing of the COC.)

The Comelec has pledged to resolve cases involving nuisance candidates by the end of November 2024. However, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco reiterated that the commission cannot automatically cancel Guo’s COC without following legal protocols established by the Ombudsman’s ruling.

Guo, who was dismissed as Bamban mayor in August 2024, is currently embroiled in a series of legal challenges. She is facing serious allegations, including graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion linked to her involvement in the Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her town. Presently, Guo is detained at the Pasig City Jail.

Adding to her troubles, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently canceled Guo’s Philippine passport, deeming it “fraudulently acquired.” DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza confirmed that her biometrics matched those of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping. This cancellation, effective as of September 30, 2024, underscores the DFA’s strict policy against fraudulent passport acquisitions.

“Upon receipt on 18 September 2024 from the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the certification issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) dated 24 August 2024 that the biometrics of Alice Leal Guo in the Passport Database match the biometrics of Guo Hua Ping in NBI files, the DFA canceled the Philippine passport issued under the identity of Alice Leal Guo,” Daza explained.

Department of Justice Secretary (DOJ) Jesus Crispin Remulla asserted that the government acted within its rights when canceling Guo’s passport. “That’s the power of the State when it comes to sovereign documents that we all possess. As (the) State has the right to give us, it can take it away,” he noted. The Justice Secretary also said that the DOJ may oppose Guo’s reelection bid.

Several lawmakers have expressed their concerns regarding Guo’s potential candidacy. Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that filing her candidacy could lead to more charges. “Guo Hua Ping would be committing an act of material misrepresentation if she fills out her certificate of candidacy (COC) and falsely declares herself to be a Filipino citizen,” she asserted.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian echoed these sentiments, describing Guo’s intention to run for office as a blatant attempt to sidestep the law. “I strongly urge the Comelec to immediately enforce the necessary legal measures to disqualify her from seeking public office,” he stated. Senator Joel Villanueva also criticized the idea of Guo running again, labeling it “ridiculous.”

As the political landscape heats up, Guo’s legal team has indicated that she will file her candidacy as the deadline approaches. Her attorney, Stephen David, announced that they plan to submit her COC on Tuesday, October 8, the last day of the filing period for the May 2025 midterm elections.