Where should Alice go? Senate or Tarlac detention cell?

A LEGAL conflict has surfaced over the custody of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was apprehended upon returning from Indonesia.

Both the Senate and the Tarlac Regional Trial Court (RTC) are asserting their right to detain Go, who is facing multiple charges, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Guo arrived in the Philippines early Friday, September 6, and was promptly transported to Tarlac to address an arrest warrant issued by the RTC on September 5.

Judge Sarah delos Santos of the RTC set bail at P90,000 for each of the two cases against her. However, Guo’s lawyer, Atty. Stephen David, said they will not post bail, arguing that Guo would remain detained due to the Senate’s separate arrest warrant for contempt.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a strong proponent of Senate authority, contended that the Senate should take custody of Guo, since the Senate's arrest warrant led to her capture in Jakarta.

Hontiveros emphasized that the Senate should have received Guo upon her arrival and highlighted that law enforcement acted based on the Senate's warrant.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero supported Hontiveros, suggesting that if Guo remains under RTC custody, the Senate might need to seek court permission to bring her to upcoming hearings.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, led by Hontiveros, has scheduled a hearing for Monday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo detailed Guo’s current detention conditions.

Fajardo said she stays in a cell with basic amenities, including one bed and a comfort room, but lacks air conditioning.

She confirmed that the RTC’s arrest warrant takes precedence over the Senate’s, meaning any request for Guo to attend Senate hearings would require a court order.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Bamban Tarlac
• #Alice Guo
• #Anti-Graft and Practices Act
• #POGO
• #Risa Hontiveros
• #Indonesia