Valenzuela court allows Alice Guo to attend Senate POGO hearing

UNCOOPERATIVE. Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo attends the probe on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators at the Senate in Pasay City on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024). She was cited in contempt for continuously refusing to answer most of the questions from the panel. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency 

MANILA – The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 282 in Valenzuela City granted on Monday the request of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality to allow dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to appear in the continuation of its inquiry into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Acting on the request of the Senate committee and recognizing its power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, Guo (a.k.a Guo Hua Ping) was given permission to testify in Tuesday’s hearing which will start 9 a.m., according to the order signed by presiding judge Elena Amigo-Amano.

The Valenzuela RTC directed the Philippine National Police to “provide strict security protocol” in bringing Guo to the Senate in Pasay City and required a written report from the support services unit.

Last week, the graft case against Guo was transferred from a Capas, Tarlac lower court to the Valenzuela RTC due to lack of jurisdiction under Republic Act 10660 (Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan).

Senate Deputy Minority Leader and committee chair Risa Hontiveros then sent the request letter to allow Guo’s physical appearance before the Senate panel.

Senators are expecting to get more information from Guo, including a wider picture of her network and her alleged links to Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Dong Calugay.