The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may disqualify former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo (actual name: Guo Hua Ping) from filing a candidacy for this coming 2025 elections due to her prior dismissal from the Office of the Ombudsman.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said this in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Monday, October 7, even though it is the poll body’s “ministerial duty” to accept Guo’s COC.
Last August, the Ombudsman dismissed Guo from her mayorship post due to grave misconduct and banned her from reentering government service.
Guo, who is arrested over allegations of illegal gambling hotspots, will submit her certificate of candidacy (COC) this week via a representative, according to prior comments made by her lawyer, Stephen David.
In the interview, Garcia pointed out that the disqualification could take effect immediately even if a candidate challenges it, and there is no need for a court-issued temporary restraining order.
“Mayroon kaming inilabas na resolution dalawang linggo na ang nakakalipas, sinabi namin sa resolution na ‘yan ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na dinismiss, tinanggal sa pwesto at may nakalagay na perpetually disqualified to hold public office ay amin kaagad tatanggalin kapag nag-file ng certificates of candidacy,” he added.
“Iyan ay bilang pagkilala sa kapangyarihan ng Ombudsman, sa kanilang tungkulin. Nasa batas po kasi yan: …ang desisyon ng Ombudsman ay immediately executory at final,” he said.
Additionally, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Sunday, October 6, that Comelec has the authority to disqualify Guo for misrepresentation until a judge orders otherwise.
He added that if it turns out that Guo lied under oath while submitting her COC, she might potentially be charged with “perjury.”
Guo is accused of tax evasion, money laundering, bribery, and qualified people trafficking. Congress also looks into her for possible ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators.
She was apprehended in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she had fled in July, and is presently being held at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory. (TCSP)
