A regional trial court (RTC) in Manila has voided the term of controversial figure Alice Guo as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac after granting the quo warranto petition filed against her over issues concerning her citizenship and identity.
In a decision penned by presiding judge Liwliwa Hidalgo-Bucu, the Manila RTC Branch 34 ruled that Guo is a Chinese national, known by the name Guo Hua Ping, and was therefore not qualified to hold a public office.
Guo has been dismissed as mayor after she was linked in the 2024 Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) scandal and overwhelming evidence of her real identity came to light during previous congressional hearings.
“As alleged therein, the instant Petition was prepared upon discovery of the wealth of evidence proving that respondent Guo Hua Ping is the real ‘Alice Leal Guo’ and that she is a Chinese national,” the decision said.
“Wherefore, in view of all the foregoing, the instant Petition for Quo Warranto is GRANTED.”
This means that her proclamation as mayor in the 2022 elections was deemed void.
“Respondent Guo Hua Ping a.k.a. Alice Leal Guo is found DISQUALIFIED from and is hereby adjudged guilty of usurping and exercising the Office of the Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Accordingly, she is hereby OUSTED and altogether EXCLUDED therefrom,” the decision read.
The quo warranto petition was filed by then Solicitor-General Menardo Guevarra on behalf of the state to nullify her election as mayor. She was removed as mayor by the Ombudsman over her alleged involvement in the POGOs.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Manila court voids Alice Guo’s term as Bamban mayor”
