Dismissed Mayor Alice Guo can’t run for office, DOJ asserts

National

DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla asserted on Friday, October 4, that Alice L. Guo has no legal right to run for mayor again in the upcoming 2025 elections.

Remulla responded to announcements made by Guo’s legal counsel, Stephen David, who revealed that the dismissed Banban, Tarlac mayor intends to file her certificate of candidacy (COC) next week.

Remulla raised concerns about Guo’s eligibility, emphasizing that she “is not a Filipino and she bears falsified documents.”

David, defending Guo's decision to run, argued that she aims to demonstrate her commitment to the people of Bamban.

He further suggested that the decision should ultimately lie with the residents of Bamban.

Remulla reminded the public that Guo is currently facing legal issues, including questions regarding her Filipino citizenship, which remains unresolved in court.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that it has cancelled Guo’s fraudulently acquired passport.

In a statement released on Friday, DFA said it immediately acted on the matter upon the receipt of the certification issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) dated “24 August 2024 that the biometrics of Alice Leal Guo in the Passport Database match the biometrics of Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.”

“The cancellation of the Philippine Passport issued to the dismissed Bamban mayor was effected on September 30, 2024, by virtue of Section 10 (b) (4) of Republic Act No. 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Law,” said the DFA.

DFA has outlined the grounds for denying the issuance, cancellation, or imposition of restrictions on passports, as specified in Section 10 of the law. These grounds include:

* Fraudulent acquisition

* Tampering

* Erroneous issuance

The agency will refer the matter to law enforcement and prosecution.

Furthermore, the DFA emphasized its commitment to a “zero tolerance policy” against individuals who attempt to circumvent the proper procedures for applying for and obtaining Philippine passports.(CMM)