Manila court voids Guo’s mayorship

A MANILA Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruled that a controversial town mayor in Tarlac, allegedly linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is “undoubtedly Chinese,” deeming her mayorship “void” and barring her from holding any public position.

In a 67-page ruling, Judge Liwliwa S. Hidalgo-Bucu of Manila RTC Branch 34 said dismissed Bamban town Mayor Alice L. Guo and Guo Hua Ping are the same person.

“Respondent Guo Hua Ping is undoubtedly a Chinese citizen, born to Chinese parents, namely Guo Jian Zhong and Lin Wenyi,” the decision dated June 27 read, adding she and her parents are Chinese passport holders.

It added that her Philippine passport is not a considered proof of her citizenship.

“Such being the case… she is nothing more but a usurper of the Office of the Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. The fact that she won the election and has already assumed office is of no moment as it did not cure her disqualification of lack of Philippine citizenship,” it added.

The tribunal granted a petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General.

Ms. Guo was the town mayor of Bamban from 2022-2024, before she was arrested for her alleged ties in a POGO facility in her town, also accused of being involved in other illicit activities.

She has, however, consistently maintained that she only leased her property to the POGO company.

Her lawyer, Stephen David, did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment.

In August 2024, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Guo’s dismissal due to grave misconduct. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana