The lawyer representing dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, denied accusations on Friday that he made false statements regarding her whereabouts.
Atty. Stephen David, Guo’s legal counsel, clarified that he has always relied on the information provided by his client. “The media can attest to the fact that in all my interviews, I consistently say that I am fully relying on what my client has told me,” David said in a statement. He added that he was “merely echoing her declaration that she is still in the country.”
David’s remarks come in response to statements made by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who revealed that Guo, also known as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, left the country as early as July. David admitted he could not confirm Guo’s exact location, stating, “I relied on our client’s representations and disclosures in good faith, trusting in the accuracy and honesty of the information provided.”
David also emphasized that, when he made his statements, there were no travel records or evidence, such as entry stamps, fingerprints, or CCTV footage, to suggest that Guo had left the country. He expressed confidence in Atty. Elmer Galicia, the notary public who notarized Guo’s counter-affidavit, which David believed indicated that Guo was still in the Philippines at the time.
David addressed concerns that his statements could lead to legal action, urging public officials to avoid making unsubstantiated allegations. “As an officer of the court, I respectfully request some public officials to refrain from making public declarations imputing someone from committing a crime without concrete proof,” he stated.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously mentioned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) might investigate whether Guo’s legal team was involved in her departure. Additionally, the DOJ plans to look into Galicia’s actions for notarizing Guo’s counter-affidavit without her being present.
Guo’s purported sister, Shiela Guo, confirmed that they left the Philippines via several boats, and the Bureau of Immigration reported that Guo was last seen in Jakarta as of August 26.
Guo is facing a human trafficking complaint related to a raided POGO hub and has filed a petition to dismiss the complaint, claiming there is no evidence of her involvement. A separate petition seeking her removal from office has also been filed in a Manila court. Guo has maintained that she is a Filipino citizen.