MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating claims that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo allegedly offered P1 billion to a Filipino-Chinese trader for assistance.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that they are looking into the allegation made by former Senator Panfilo Lacson, who stated that his friend, a trader with “connections within the circle of the first family,” was approached by Guo before she left the country.
“Hinihintay natin siyempre yung investigations na ginagawa dito sa background niya. Yung sinasabi kasi ni senator Lacson, pinupursue na namin yun dati pa. We’re aware na there’s more to it than meets the eye,” Remulla said in a media briefing on Thursday.
“Malalim siya eh. Malalim ang kanyang laro eh. Very sophisticated yung laro niya. Maybe she’s extremely talented. Pero hindi siya ordinary felon, marami, malalim siya,” he added.
Remulla speculated that a substantial sum of money is being used to support Guo’s escape, possibly reaching billions of pesos.
“I have no idea but I guess it would be in the billions. Marami siyang support eh. Talagang ewan ko kung saan nanggagaling,” he remarked.
When asked if his office or the DOJ had been approached regarding the matter, Remulla said they had not received any feelers.
“Hindi yan nature ko eh. Saka kilala ako ng tao, walang makakalapit sa akin dito. They will not honor any of those business,” he said firmly.
Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said they are leaving the matter to Lacson, though he added that he would not be surprised if the incident occurred.
Cruz hinted that certain individuals had reached out regarding Guo’s case, though he did not provide further details.