Alice Guo Enters Not Guilty Plea in Graft Case
ALICE GUO – The former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, appeared at the Valenzuela Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday, where she pleaded “not guilty” to graft charges related to alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019).
During her videoconference appearance, Guo denied the accusations of corruption during her time in office, and the court confirmed her plea. These charges are part of a larger legal proceeding in which Guo faces allegations of misconduct and illicit practices that occurred while she was serving as mayor.
Guo, a businesswoman and politician, served as the mayor of Bamban from June 2022 until her dismissal in August 2024. Her tenure was marred by serious allegations, including claims that she was involved in illegal gambling activities related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and accusations of being a Chinese spy. In June 2024, she was suspended by the Ombudsman, and in August, she was dismissed from her position due to the graft charges filed against her. Guo’s citizenship was also questioned, and investigations were launched due to inconsistencies in her documents and testimony.
In September 2024, Guo fled the Philippines, citing security threats. She was arrested on September 3 in Indonesia and deported back to the Philippines two days later. Upon her arrival in the Philippines on September 6, she was taken into custody by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame, Quezon City, before being transferred to Capas, Tarlac. Guo was unable to post bail, remaining in detention while awaiting the resolution of her cases.
On September 13, her graft charges were moved to the Valenzuela RTC, while the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of non-bailable human trafficking charges against her and others to the Pasig RTC. Legal proceedings continue, and Guo’s future remains uncertain as she faces multiple charges.