In a recent development, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) announced its intention to file a quo warranto case against Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban town in Tarlac. This move has garnered support from two members of the House of Representatives, namely Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur.
A quo warranto is a legal remedy used to challenge a person’s rights to hold a public or corporate office. During a briefing last Thursday, Abante and Adiong emphasized the importance of ensuring that public servants meet all the requirements for holding public office.
Abante specifically mentioned that Guo should be removed from her position as mayor if it is proven that she is not a Filipino. Guo is currently under investigation in the Senate for her alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations in the province. Questions have been raised about her Filipino citizenship due to vague responses regarding her birth and family background.
Both Abante and Adiong highlighted the need to verify Guo’s citizenship, expressing concerns about potential foreign influence and the integrity of the electoral process. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has also initiated a probe into Guo’s citizenship and the POGO hub in Bamban.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos confirmed the investigation and stated that findings would be forwarded to the Office of the President and the Office of the Ombudsman. President Marcos has supported further investigation into Guo, citing the ongoing Senate probe.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra mentioned that they are gathering information to determine if Guo is unlawfully holding or exercising a public office. Overall, there is a concerted effort to address the concerns surrounding Mayor Guo and ensure accountability in public service.
