MANILA — The legal team of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has dismissed the accusations made by senators during a recent hearing, which included allegations about her relationship with Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay and supposed involvement in money laundering.
Guo’s lawyer, Stephen David, criticized the lack of concrete evidence presented during Tuesday’s Senate hearing. “Tinatanong nga siya (Guo), saan galing ito? Sino ito? Saan ginamit ito? Hindi nga nila alam eh,” David remarked. “Puro generalization yun eh. Tapos kukuhanin mo yung details sa tao, kukuhanin mo yung detalye kay Alice… Kung talagang solid yung evidence niya, ilabas mo na lang.”
David emphasized that Guo’s right against self-incrimination is protected and should be respected. He added, “Hindi mo pwedeng ipilitin ang isang tao na idiin ang sarili niya… Kasi lahat ng sasabihin niya pwedeng magamit para sa kanya o laban sa kanya sa mga kasong kinahaharap niya.”
He also questioned the need for the public nature of the hearing, suggesting that Guo could testify in a private executive session. “Kasi ito in aid of prosecution eh. Parang gusto mo lang talaga ma-establish yung guilt nung tao,” David stated. “Might as well, sabihin mo na lang sa husgado, guilty. So ano pa ang nangyari sa ating due process of law?”
Regarding the potential case that the Department of Justice (DOJ) might file against Guo’s legal team over her counter-affidavit, David stressed the importance of evidence. “Kailangan may ebidensiya sila kasi pag hindi, puwede rin silang balikan, diba?” he said, hinting at possible legal action against those making the accusations.
The counter-affidavit in question was handled by the Gana Atienza Avisado Law Offices, a separate firm from David’s. Guo claimed she signed the document before leaving the country, addressing concerns about how the affidavit was submitted post-departure.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian suggested that Guo’s lawyers were aware of her plan to flee, but her counsel, Ray Ann Co, denied the allegation. David asserted that the affidavit was prepared well in advance.
As the Senate continues its hearings on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), Sen. Risa Hontiveros’s office has indicated that the next hearing on September 24 could be the last. David mentioned that they would “most likely” post bail for Guo after the Senate hearings conclude since the contempt order would no longer be in effect.
Regarding Guo’s potential to flee again, David reassured that she intends to face the charges. “Di ba sinabi niya sa Senate na nung nandoon siya sa kabilang bansa, eh gusto talaga na niya sumuko,” he said. “Otherwise, magiging fugitive siya for life.”
On the topic of Guo’s brother, Wesley, David admitted having no knowledge of his whereabouts, expressing concern after Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa suggested Wesley might be with fugitive Huang Zhiyang, Guo’s former business partner.