Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has made it clear that he will not entertain any requests from suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo until she appears before the Senate and complies with its rules.
The Senate issued an arrest order for Guo following her persistent refusal to participate in its investigation into the illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).
“While I understand the understanding she is asking for, until she appears and follows the Senate, I cannot accept any of her requests made in her letter regarding not only understanding but also to help her constituents. The vice mayor has taken over to continue the government’s work in Bamban,” Escudero said in an Inquirer.net report.
Escudero referred to Guo’s letter dated July 22, in which she apologized to him and questioned why Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, and others seemed focused on her instead of addressing the country’s critical issues. She also appealed for Senate assistance for her constituents, as her suspension hindered her duties.
The Office of the Ombudsman suspended Guo due to charges linking her to an illegal Pogo in Bamban, allegations she has consistently denied.
Escudero stressed that Guo needs to face the Senate to lift the arrest warrant against her.
“I hope her lawyers advise her correctly to appear and end this chapter in the Senate so she can focus on her cases at the DOJ (Department of Justice), the Solgen (Solicitor General), and the Sandiganbayan,” he stated.
Escudero assured that the Senate could guarantee Guo’s safety if she decides to participate in the probe.
“We will ensure her security, and once she attends and her attendance is confirmed, we can lift her contempt and arrest warrant. That is our guarantee to her,” he added.