Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo pleaded not guilty to a material misrepresentation complaint related to her 2022 certificate of candidacy.
The plea was made during her arraignment at the Capas Regional Trial Court Branch 66, conducted via video conference, according to her legal counsel, Atty. Nicole Jamila.
The case stemmed from allegations by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that Guo violated Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code by filing her candidacy as a mayoral candidate while allegedly being a Chinese national.
Guo’s fingerprints reportedly matched those of Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping, further intensifying the allegations.
Her legal team plans to post bail next week, as the offense is considered bailable under Philippine law.