SP CHIZ ON GUO’S ABSENCE FROM HEARINGS: SHE MIGHT BE HIDING SOMETHING

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero on Saturday (20 July 2024) said that suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s failure to attend the chamber’s hearings suggests she might be hiding something.

Guo did not attend the last two Senate hearings on the investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Porac, Pampanga, and Bamban, Tarlac.

“Ang kawalan ng kagustuhang sumuko at boluntaryong magpakita at sumagot sa mga simpleng katanungan, bagaman hindi siya pinepwersang umamin, ay pagpapakita na marahil ay may tinatago siya, may iniiwasan siya,” Escudero said.

The Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against Guo and seven others to ensure their attendance at the hearings.

“Hindi ito warrant of arrest para siya ay ikulong at parusahan kaugnay sa isang ginawang krimen. Ito’y warrant of arrest para tiyakin ang kanyang pagdalo sa pagdinig at sagutin ang mga katanungang ipupukol sa kanya ng mga miyembro ng Senado habang ginagalang ang kanyang mga karapatan,” he added.

The Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) has prepared the detention facility for Guo and the others.

Earlier, authorities went to Guo’s farm to arrest her; however, she was not there.

(el Amigo/mnm)