Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday vowed that the Senate will pursue the filing of a criminal case against Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, for perjury and her continued defiance of a subpoena, despite reports that she has already fled the country.
Even if the dismissed mayor has evaded authorities, Gatchalian said he will ensure that those who helped her escape are held responsible.
“This is a slap in the face of the Bureau of Immigration, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the airport manager concerned,” he noted.
“You can’t just walk into an airport undetected, nor can you leave our airports undocumented. You have to pass through immigration and countless CCTVs,” he said
Gatchalian further said there should be traces of movement inside the airport all the way to boarding the plane. He emphasized that Guo’s escape should not deter the government from prosecuting her.
“This is a temporary setback for the country. The cases should continue. She is now facing numerous charges. Her world will shrink, and the long arm of the law will eventually catch up to her,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that making false statements while under oath is a violation of Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.
Also, Guo’s refusal to attend the Senate hearing is a violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes disobedience to summons issued by Congress.
Guo, along with several other individuals, was issued an arrest order by the Senate for their refusal to attend two hearings conducted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.
“It’s not enough that we ban POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). We need to ensure that those responsible for the crimes are held accountable for their actions,” Gatchalian said.
