The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued a stern warning to the legal team of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, stating that they could face legal repercussions if it is proven that they have been dishonest about their client’s whereabouts.
The issue revolves around conflicting statements regarding Guo’s location.
Attorney Elmer Galicia, who represents Guo, was summoned by the Department of Justice, where he claimed that Guo personally appeared before him to have documents notarized on August 14.
However, this contradicts an earlier statement by Senator Risa Hontiveros, who asserted that Guo had already left the country as early as July 28.
The Bureau of Immigration also believes that Guo is currently in Indonesia, where her sister, Shiela, and their associate, Cassandra Li Ong, were recently apprehended.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago expressed doubts about Galicia’s claims, emphasizing that in a standard notarization process, the individual must personally appear before the lawyer.
Sending documents for notarization without the signatory’s presence is not permitted.
If it is proven that Attorney Galicia has provided false information, he could be charged with perjury and face disbarment.
Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, has been a controversial figure due to her alleged involvement in various criminal activities.
Her dismissal from office was followed by legal battles and attempts to evade arrest. Guo’s case gained national attention, especially after reports surfaced that she fled the country, leading to an extensive manhunt.
Her sister, Shiela, and their associate, Cassandra Li Ong, were apprehended in Indonesia, further intensifying the search for Guo.
The case has raised concerns about the integrity of legal processes and the accountability of public officials in the Philippines.