Romualdez to voters: Prevent another Alice Guo through vigilance

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

FILE: People wait for their turn to register at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) satellite registration center inside the SM City Dasmariñas in Cavite on Wednesday (July 20, 2022). (PNA photo by Gil S. Calinga)

MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday urged Filipino voters to “practice discernment” and exercise “perpetual vigilance” in choosing candidates for next year’s midterm elections, or suffer the consequences of more “Alice Guos” in the country’s electoral system.

“To the Filipino voters, I encourage you to exercise your right with discernment. Your role is crucial in this process. By remaining vigilant, we ensure a future where our leaders uphold the values of integrity, competence, and a commitment to the well-being of our nation,” Romualdez said in a statement as the filing of certificates of candidacies (COCs) for the May 2025 senatorial and synchronized local polls entered its fourth day.

He said the classic case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, a certified Chinese national, should be a constant reminder to everyone to practice increased vigilance or face similar embarrassing consequences.

“The recent disqualification of Guo is a significant reminder of our challenges in ensuring that only qualified individuals are elected to public office. The Comelec (Commission on Elections) is crucial in accepting candidacy applications,” he said.

Romualdez appealed to the Comelec, under the leadership of Chairman George Garcia, that while the processing of COCs may be “ministerial” in nature, it is still important they safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

“The law provides transparent processes for challenging unqualified candidates, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these mechanisms are used appropriately to maintain public trust. We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy, and by working together, we can prevent any recurrence of past issues,” he said.

“Together, let us build a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the Filipino people – one that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to genuine public service,” he said, noting that voters should always bear in mind that by choosing right, “we get the government we deserve.”

Guo’s lawyer Stephen David has reportedly said the dismissed mayor will file her COC next week but did not specify if she would run anew as Bamban mayor.