By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Capas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 109 has assured Senator Risa Hontiveros that it will allow Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, to attend Senate hearings conducted by her panel.
“In connection therewith, this Court, in recognition of the Senate’s power to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, assures the Honorable Senator that it shall continue to allow GUO HUA PING ALIAS ALICE LEAL GUO, who is in the custody of the Philippine National Police pending her posting of bail for the offenses charged — Violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 — to be brought before the Senate whenever required,” stated RTC Branch 109 Presiding Judge Sarah Vedaña-Delos Santos in a letter addressed to Hontiveros.
This assurance is subject to a prior request that does not conflict with scheduled hearings before the Court, and to limitations provided by law and relevant jurisprudence.
Earlier, Hontiveros requested that Guo be allowed to attend a hearing last Monday, which was granted.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality continues to investigate illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including those linked to Guo’s escape.
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