Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor accused of influencing POGO permits, pleaded not guilty to graft charges in court on November 8, 2024.
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.
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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.
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Aside from the questions towards her citizenship, reports also linked Alice Guo to illegal operations in Tarlac, particularly from Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, whose operations were first unveiled after a Vietnamese national attempted to escape the Baofu compound.
The case of Alice Guo has sparked significant attention due to its connection to the controversial POGO industry in the Philippines, which has been linked to organized crime, human trafficking, and illegal gambling activities. Despite the charges, Guo maintains that her actions were lawful, and her legal team is defending her against the graft allegations, arguing that her interactions with government officials were legitimate and conducted transparently.
Despite her plea, the case remains a significant example of the scrutiny surrounding POGOs in the Philippines, particularly concerning the role of local officials in facilitating the operations of these companies.
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.
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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.
The Wider Picture of Alice Guo and POGOs
While the Philippine government, through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), has implemented a regulatory framework for POGOs, there are concerns about the industry’s oversight and regulation. Critics argue that the rapid growth of POGOs has outpaced regulatory measures, leading to potential risks for the public and the nation’s international reputation.
The outcome of Guo’s case could have far-reaching consequences for the POGO industry, particularly in terms of how local officials and the government approach its regulation in the future.
On the other hand, officials may have the authority to grant business permits, which is where issues of influence and accountability can arise. The charges against Guo suggest that some local leaders may have been complicit in the rapid expansion of the POGO industry, which raises concerns about potential abuse of power.
Guo’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that she acted in accordance with the law. However, her case serves as a reminder of the challenges in holding public officials accountable, especially when dealing with industries that have the potential to operate in a legal grey area.
Read related article: Tarlac Court Sets Alice Guo’s Bail at P180,000 for Two Counts of Graft
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