Hontiveros asks Tarlac court to allow Alice Guo to attend Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines — The office of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday asked the permission of the Tarlac City court for dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to attend her second Senate hearing since her arrest.

In a letter dated September 13, the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality requested Judge Ronald Leo Haban of Capas, Tarlac to allow Guo’s presence at the next hearing.

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“The committee would like to respectfully request your Honor, to allow Guo Hua Ping alias Alice Guo to appear before the hearing of the Committees,” the letter stated.

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17, Tuesday. Her first Senate hearing appearance since her arrest was last Sept. 9.

Guo cannot be brought to the Senate if there is no proper court order.

Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 109 served a warrant of arrest on Thursday over Guo’s alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Her bail is set at P180,000, but she has not posted bail so far.

Guo left the country last July 18 and was arrested on September 4.

The former mayor has been the subject of scrutiny over her alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator firms in Bamban town.