THE local office of the Commission on Elections in Bamban, Tarlac, said they will accept the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of dismissed mayor Alice Guo for the 2025 national elections.
“Actually, we had no idea she would file, but we weren’t surprised because she could run… since the court has not made a final decision yet. As long as a person is not convicted, they can run for any position,” said Bamban Comelec Officer Edmund Salvador in an interview.
Despite Guo’s removal from her position due to controversies and links to illegal POGOs, Guo’s lawyers ensured that the former mayor will continue her aspiration to return to office.
“If the people really want her, they should be the ones to judge. The public should decide if she is fit to serve in their area,” according to her lawyer Attorney Stephen David.
David clarified that there is still no decision from the court regarding her alleged Chinese nationality, meaning Guo is still allowed to run for office.
“Comelec will decide if she is qualified or not, because the ombudsman ruling is not final yet. In fact, we still have a pending reconsideration. There’s still the court of appeals, and even the supreme court,” David added.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra also mentioned that Guo can still file her COC as her cases are still pending.
However, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reportedly plans to block Guo’s candidacy.
“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s her right. She can try, but I wouldn’t say it’s her right because she’s not Filipino and she bears falsified documents,” Remulla said.
If allowed to run for mayor of Bamban, Guo will face incumbent councilor and acting Mayor Erano Timbang, Tarlac Ex-Officio Board Member and Barangay Anupul Chairman Jose Salting Jr., former Bamban Mayor Jose Antonio Feliciano, and former Councilor Rodolfo Escoto.
