Sual, Pangasinan – Mayor Liseldo Calugay of Sual vehemently denied having any romantic or business relationship with Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, during a Senate hearing on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on Tuesday.
According to the Philippines News Agency, amidst the ongoing Senate inquiry conducted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Calugay responded to allegations raised by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who presented evidence such as photographs of the two together in campaign caravans, wearing matching shirts, and sharing the same campaign giveaway supplier. Calugay insisted, “Wala naman po talaga kaming relasyon (We aren’t really in a relationship),” countering the visual evidence presented.
Furthermore, Calugay addressed accusations regarding his involvement with several businesses linked to him and Guo. He stated unequivocally that he has no connections to enterprises such as Alisel Aqua Farm, Romanz Garden Inn, and multiple other aquaculture and trading ventures that Estrada claimed were co-owned by him and Guo. These businesses, according to Estrada, had names cleverly combining Calugay and Guo’s names, suggesting a personal and professional partnership. “The names Donguo, Dong and Guo, and Licsel, Alice and Liseldo, are plays on their names,” Estrada noted, drawing a comparison to the celebrity couple nickname “DongYan.”
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also pressed the mayor for clarity regarding his associations with these businesses, highlighting the apparent name combinations in enterprises like Dee Aqua Farm. Despite these inquiries, Calugay maintained his denial, asserting, “Wala po akong ganyang negosyo, your honor. Hindi po ako nagsisinungaling (I don’t have any business like that, your honor. I am not lying).”
The controversy surrounding Calugay deepened when it was revealed that Cheryl Medina, his executive assistant, had facilitated the notarization of Guo’s counter-affidavit for her non-bailable human trafficking case while Guo was abroad on August 14. This revelation raised further questions about the depth of Calugay’s connections to Guo beyond what was being officially acknowledged.