After over three months in hiding, dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo returned to face the Senate Committee on Women on Monday. Senators expressed outrage over her evasion and alleged deceit, as Guo attended a hearing investigating crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Guo, who was arrested in Indonesia on September 3 and brought back to the Philippines on September 6, appeared at the Senate following a Tarlac court’s order. Her last Senate appearance was on May 22, after which she reportedly fled the country.
At the start of the hearing, senators lambasted Guo for her actions and previous statements.
“Alice, binastos mo at binalauhura mo ang buong gobyerno, ang buong sambayanang Pilipino,” said Senator Joel Villanueva, criticizing her conduct.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada also challenged Guo’s credibility, stating, “You were under oath but you fearlessly fabricated stories and fed Filipinos a pack of lies.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who leads the investigation, did not hold back either, accusing Guo of blatant dishonesty during her past appearances. “Kahit anong pagpapa-cute niya, hindi matatanggal ang katotohanang ito,” Hontiveros remarked.
Guo, along with her siblings Shiela and Wesley, allegedly left the Philippines by boat in early July. The group traveled across Southeast Asia, but only Shiela and Alice have been apprehended so far, with Wesley still at large.
Monday’s Senate hearing is set to focus on Guo’s abandonment of the May 22 probe and her subsequent actions while in hiding.