Manila — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the deadline for dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to submit her counter-affidavit in response to a complaint of material misrepresentation, setting the new deadline for September 1.
According to Philippines News Agency, the extension from the original August 22 deadline was granted following a request from Guo’s legal team, who argued they needed more time to research and prepare their defense. “We don’t want to be strict. But if they request for another extension, I don’t think it is proper anymore. It is enough that they were given at least one chance,” Garcia stated in an interview, indicating that further delays would not be accommodated.
The material misrepresentation complaint stems from allegations that Guo made false claims in her certificate of candidacy for the May 2022 polls. The case has been complicated by Guo’s current status; the Bureau of Immigration confirmed she remains in Indonesia after fleeing the Philippines last month. Garcia highlighted the importance of Guo personally filing and notarizing the counter-affidavit, emphasizing that the poll body would not accept it otherwise. “We are not aware of that because there are questions whether she is here. If they file a counter-affidavit, does it have her signature? Was it sworn before a notary public? So, let us wait if they would be able to file on time based on the deadline set after they sought an extension,” he explained.
The outcome of this case will hinge on the timely and proper submission of Guo’s counter-affidavit, as she contends with both legal and logistical challenges while abroad.