Comelec OK’s misrepresentation raps vs. Alice Guo

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has found sufficient evidence to file a complaint against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for misrepresentations in her 2022 mayoral candidacy.

The decision, reached during a referendum of the seven-member Comelec en banc on Monday, was shared with the media on Tuesday.

Based on a memorandum, the full commission adopted the Comelec law department’s recommendation to pursue action against Guo for violating the Omnibus Election Code, specifically the provision on certificates of candidacy (COC).

The fact-finding probe revealed that Guo falsely claimed in her COC to be a Filipino citizen eligible to run for mayor.

Consistent with findings from the National Bureau of Investigation, Comelec confirmed that Guo’s fingerprints match those of Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, indicating they are the same person.

The Comelec en banc has directed its law department to proceed with filing a complaint and to conduct a preliminary investigation against Guo.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia previously told NewsWatch Plus that the poll commissioners needed to assess whether there was sufficient evidence against Guo and if filing another complaint was timely, given the pending quo warranto petitions questioning Guo’s birth certificate and citizenship.

Guo has been accused of being a Chinese spy and a supporter of an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in her locality. The controversial mayor has denied all allegations and maintains that she is a Filipino.

NewsWatch Plus Senior Correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report