Court allows Alice Guo to attend Senate probe

MANILA, Philippines — A Pasig Regional Trial Court allowed dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to attend the continuation of the Senate investigation into the alleged illegal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) on October 8.

The Pasig RTC Branch 167 led by Presiding Judge Annielyn Medes-Cabelis issued an order that granted the request of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.

The committee petitioned Guo’s presence in the hearing, noting that the Senate was “a co-equal branch of the judiciary and the subject inquiry is in aid of legislation.”

Likewise, apart from Guo, the Pasig City court also allowed the Senate panel’s request to allow the attendance of the following in the scheduled hearing next week: Jamielyn Santos Cruz; Thelma Barrogo Laranan; Rita Sapnu Yturralde; Rowena Evangelista and Rachelle Joan Malonzo Carreon.

The order tasked Jail Inspector Jocelyn Riño, Female Dormitory officer-in-charge, to conduct measures that would ensure the security and safety of the six accused.

They are also tasked to assist Guo and the five others during the Senate hearing.

Guo pleaded not guilty on Friday, to charges of qualified human trafficking before the Pasig court.

This is with regard to the raid of the POGO hub in Bamban in June, with 800 Filipinos and foreigners rescued.

The Pasig RTC asked for Guo’s transfer from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory.

Guo is facing charges of graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion.