On Thursday, former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo entered a plea of not guilty to charges of material misrepresentation during the 2022 elections. The arraignment took place at the Capas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 66, with Guo attending via video conference.
The charge, based on Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code, alleges that Guo filed her candidacy for mayor despite being a Chinese citizen. This led to her dismissal from office in August 2023. According to her legal counsel, Atty. Nicole Jamila, Guo plans to post bail for the bailable offense within the coming week, pending completion of required documents.
Beyond this case, Guo is entangled in multiple legal challenges. She faces a qualified human trafficking case in Pasig, a graft case in Valenzuela, a tax evasion complaint, and 87 counts of alleged money laundering. Additionally, a quo warranto petition has been filed in Manila, and efforts to nullify her birth certificate are underway in Tarlac. Guo has consistently denied all accusations against her.
Despite the legal battles, Guo’s defense team continues to assert her innocence, signaling a long legal fight ahead.
(Based on a report from GMA Integrated News)
