Remulla: DOJ may oppose Alice Guo’s COC, reelection bid

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) may oppose dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s (real name: Guo Hua Ping) certificate of candidacy (COC) should she continue with her plans to get reelected.

Remulla made the pronouncement after Guo’s legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David, earlier confirmed that the embattled former mayor will run for reelection and file a COC on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

READ: Alice Guo to run for mayor in 2025 polls – legal counsel

“We’ll cross the bridge when we get there. Why not, we may oppose… might as well oppose,” said Remulla in a chance interview with reporters.

Remulla also pointed out that filing a COC may not necessarily be Guo’s right as she is not a Filipino.

“She can try, but I wouldn’t say it’s her right. Because she’s not Filipino, and she bears falsified documents,” he said.

David earlier said his client Guo will be vying for reelection to allow the public to determine if she is still worthy of a government position.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal previously told INQUIRER.net that Guo may still file her COC for reelection if no conviction or perpetual disqualification to hold public office is handed against her.

Guo currently faces complaints for graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion and is likewise being investigated by Congress over her alleged links to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

She is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory, following her arrest in Jakarta, Indonesia where she fled to last July.