The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has raised concerns about the potential legal liabilities of the legal counsel representing former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
The poll body is investigating whether Guo’s lawyers misled the commission by requesting an extension to submit a counter-affidavit when she had already left the country.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia expressed his belief that if Guo had no intention of returning to the Philippines, there was no reason for her lawyers to seek an extension.
He characterized this action as contemptuous, suggesting it was a disrespect of both the court and the commission’s authority.
Garcia emphasized that Guo’s legal team had ample time to submit the counter-affidavit before the deadline and that there was no valid reason for the delay. He also reiterated that the Comelec will not grant any further extensions in this case.
The Comelec is currently evaluating the matter and will determine appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation.
The commission’s law department is tasked with drafting a final recommendation, which will then be submitted to the Comelec en banc for a decision.
The investigation stems from a misrepresentation complaint filed against Guo in connection with her candidacy in the 2022 elections.
