Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, facing an arrest order from the Senate, is deliberating her next steps, according to her legal counsel, Stephen David. In an interview on Radyo 630, David disclosed that he had advised Guo that evading arrest indefinitely was not viable.
“I spoke with her extensively yesterday. Our advice to her is straightforward: You cannot hide forever. This is a Senate warrant of arrest. It is not punitive but seeks her presence as a witness due to her unique knowledge,” David stated in Filipino.
Regarding Guo’s response, David conveyed her deep concerns about the trauma caused by recent developments and the threats she perceives.
“She expressed her distress over the situation, feeling increasingly confused and traumatized. I sensed her fear. She is worried about her safety and the implications of potential imprisonment,” David shared.
Pressed on whether Guo would comply with the Senate’s order, David indicated her intention to explore her options.
“She intends to cooperate. I assured her that as an elected official, she deserves respectful treatment. She will contemplate her decision,” David added.
The Senate issued the arrest order for Guo and seven others after they failed to appear despite notices for a Committee on Women hearing on July 10. The inquiry focuses on alleged human trafficking, illegal detention, and abuses linked to an internet gaming licensee in Bamban, including Guo’s purported ties to the firm Zun Yuan Technology Inc.
The committee’s scrutiny also raised questions about Guo’s citizenship amidst allegations of espionage, which she vehemently denies.
Apart from Guo, the arrest orders include her relatives and associates, underscoring the gravity of the Senate’s investigation into the allegations surrounding her and the gaming operations in Bamban.
Guo’s decision on whether to surrender or appear before the Senate will be pivotal as the legal and political implications of the case unfold.
