TARLAC: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to file an election offense case against former Bamban mayor Alice Guo for material misrepresentation early next week. The legal action will be pursued despite Guo already facing multiple legal challenges, including charges related to illegal activities and human trafficking.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia announced that their law department has not yet received a response from Guo concerning the complaint. “The Comelec will be filing the information in the RTC [regional trial court] in Tarlac. This means that we will formally charge her with misrepresentation, violation of the Election Code,” Garcia stated. The charge stems from allegations that Guo misrepresented information in her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) during the May 2022 elections, specifically concerning her citizenship.
Garcia emphasized the importance of pursuing the case fully, highlighting that it revolves around the integrity of election processe
s and the issue of citizenship misrepresentation. He also mentioned that there is consideration to transfer the trial venue from Tarlac to a court in Metro Manila for logistical reasons, as Guo is currently in custody in the capital region. This move would potentially facilitate a more efficient prosecution process by allowing the Comelec’s Law Department to be directly involved.
An election offense carries severe penalties, including imprisonment for one to six years and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The decision to file the case follows a recommendation from Comelec’s law department, backed by evidence suggesting Guo’s material misrepresentation.
Beyond the election offense case, Guo is detained at the Pasig City Jail facing charges of qualified human trafficking. Additionally, she is implicated in activities related to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and is dealing with charges of graft and tax evasion.