The House of Representatives Quad Committee (QuadCom) cited dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo in contempt on Thursday for evading questions during a legislative inquiry.
Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano moved to cite Guo for violating House rules by avoiding answers during the probe. With no objections, the motion was approved by QuadCom chair Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.
Paduano also requested Guo’s detention until the committee’s report is adopted in the plenary, though her current custody at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center requires further discussion.
Paduano argued that Guo deliberately stayed in PNP detention to avoid posting bail, despite her considerable assets.
“You're lying... the real reason you didn’t bail out is because you want to be detained at the PNP Custodial Center," said Paduano.
Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop also criticized Guo for invoking her right against self-incrimination inconsistently, accusing her of disrespecting the legislative process.
“You are making a mockery of the Filipino people because you’re not from here," Acop said.
Further investigation revealed Guo’s connections to convicted money launderers Lin Baoying and Ruijin Zhang, involved in laundering USD 3 billion in Singapore.
Guo allegedly exploited legal loopholes to acquire Philippine documents and establish businesses linked to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) activities, human trafficking, and money laundering.
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro called for reforms to prevent foreign nationals from exploiting the country’s legal system. She urged stricter corporate monitoring and tougher anti-money laundering laws, stating, “Illegal activities and illegal POGOs will not proliferate if they are not able to transfer money."
