President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the backlash surrounding a viral selfie of Alice Guo, a wanted fugitive, with high-ranking government officials, describing it as part of the “new culture” in the Philippines. The photo, which features Guo making a peace sign while seated next to Philippine National Police chief Rommel Marbil and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., has sparked criticism from various sectors.
Marcos downplayed the issue, emphasizing the country’s reputation as the “Selfie Capital of the World” and noting that such behavior is now commonplace. “They just took a selfie, I don’t think there’s much more to it than that,” he said, brushing off accusations of unprofessionalism.
Guo, who fled to Indonesia, was escorted back to the Philippines by Abalos and Marbil. She was smiling in the photo, which drew the ire of lawmakers and human rights advocates. Critics, including Senator Risa Hontiveros and Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, condemned the act, accusing officials of treating Guo like a celebrity rather than a fugitive facing serious charges.
Abalos defended the situation, claiming he was unaware of Guo’s actions during the photo. Meanwhile, some officials, including Nicasio Conti, supported the idea that taking photos is a cultural norm and not inherently inappropriate.