An investigation during a Senate hearing revealed that Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac owns at least 16 vehicles, according to car registration records. The hearing focused on Guo’s alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) in her town. Among the vehicles registered in her name were a Ford Expedition, two Ford Rangers, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a BMW, and a Hyundai Tucson.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is currently verifying the registrations in Guo’s name. During the hearing, it was highlighted that a Dongfeng utility vehicle was registered based on the conduction sticker on a McLaren vehicle displayed by Guo at a car show.
Guo defended herself during the hearing, stating that the vehicles are part of her buy and sell car business for her company, Westcars Incorporated. She claimed that she only uses a GAC GS-8 and has already sold some vehicles, including the Ford Expedition, G-Wagon, and the Land Cruiser. Guo clarified that the vehicles are not her assets and were not included in her statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Mayor Guo may still be eligible to run in the May 2025 elections, even if she faces suspension from holding public office, according to the Commission on Elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that a local official cannot be barred from running in an election until a final conviction by a court. The suspension from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would not prevent Guo from filing a certificate of candidacy (COC).
The DILG had previously recommended the suspension of Guo to the Office of the Ombudsman for her alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations in Bamban town. The Comelec is monitoring the situation and will address any legal issues as they arise.
