Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo (Guo Hua Ping) appeared well-prepared for her legal troubles even before the cases were officially filed, which raised suspicions about Alice Guo’s escape. During a Senate hearing on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) on September 17, Guo disclosed that she left the country in early July, although she couldn’t recall the exact date. Despite being abroad, she submitted a questionable counter-affidavit in response to human trafficking charges. However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out that no case had been filed against her when she fled. Guo’s lawyer, Ray Co, later clarified that the legal team only prepared the counter-affidavit in August, claiming they were unaware of her whereabouts at the time.
Sen. Gatchalian further accused Atty. Elmer Galicia, the lawyer who notarized Guo’s counter-affidavit, of lying. He alleged that the document wasn’t signed in Galicia’s presence, urging the Department of Justice to take legal action against him. Gatchalian also implied that Guo’s lawyers must have known about her departure from the country, as she had signed the affidavit before leaving. This raised suspicions about whether Guo had been tipped off or received assistance in her escape.
Adding to the controversy, intelligence from Pagcor executive Raul Villanueva hinted that an unnamed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief may have been involved in facilitating Alice Guo’s escape. During the Senate probe, Villanueva mentioned rumors of a “payola” from Guo, potentially implicating a former PNP chief. This information, while still unverified, has caused widespread concern over the extent of involvement by high-level officials.
PNP Deputy Director for Administration Police Brig. Gen. Raul Tacaca acknowledged that the police force had no information regarding the alleged involvement of a former PNP chief. However, Sen. Risa Hontiveros emphasized the seriousness of the claim, warning that POGO money might have reached influential figures. She further cautioned that such financial backing could influence future elections, potentially affecting the next president, senators, and local government officials.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, himself a former PNP chief, expressed alarm over the accusation. He questioned whether he was being implicated, as rumors swirled around a former PNP chief receiving payments from Guo. Dela Rosa half-jokingly suggested that there might soon be claims of him accepting money from Guo, but Guo denied any connection with him, saying she had only seen him at the Senate. When Dela Rosa asked if they had ever taken a selfie together, Guo firmly replied, “None.”
Despite Guo’s denial, her history of controversial photos has attracted public attention. She has been photographed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his campaign and was recently seen in a picture with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos and PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, sparking further outrage from netizens. The unfolding investigation continues to highlight significant questions about Alice Guo’s escape and the potential influence of POGO money on key political figures.
