Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty clarified that the marriages solemnized by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo remain valid and recognized by law.
This statement came after lawmakers questioned the legality of such unions during discussions on the proposed 2025 budget of the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Ty explained that the legal doctrine recognizes the authority under which Guo officiated marriages while she was still in office.
He emphasized that the doctrine separates the authority to solemnize marriages from the official’s subsequent dismissal.
In August, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Guo due to her involvement in the operations of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bamban.
Guo was found guilty of grave misconduct.