Alice Guo, currently facing multiple legal charges, including links to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), will run for mayor of Bamban, Tarlac again in the 2025 elections, according to her lawyer Stephen David.
David confirmed that Guo, who is currently detained at Pasig City Jail, will file her certificate of candidacy next week through a representative. Despite the ongoing legal issues, David emphasized that the election will reveal whether the people of Bamban still support her.
“Dapat makita ng bayan kung mahal talaga siya ng Bamban,” said David in a phone interview.
Guo is battling several accusations, including allegations of falsifying her birth certificate to conceal her identity as a Chinese national. However, David dismissed the petition to cancel Guo’s birth certificate, stating that she remains a Filipino unless proven otherwise by the court.
Senator Joel Villanueva criticized Guo’s reelection bid, calling it “ridiculous” given her pending legal cases. Villanueva expressed outrage, stating that it is an insult to the country’s laws.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stressed that only real Filipinos should have the privilege to run for public office, adding that candidates must always provide accurate information about themselves.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified that it must accept certificates of candidacy as part of its ministerial duties, but filing does not guarantee candidacy.