THOUGH already dismissed from her post, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will proceed with its motu proprio complaint against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for material misrepresentation.
In a radio interview, Comelec chair George Garcia emphasized that the Ombudsman’s decision has no effect on the Comelec’s case against Guo.
“Tuloy na tuloy po [ang kaso] sapagkat wala pong epekto sa amin ang desisyon ng ating Office of the Ombudsman,” he said.
“Ang Office of the Ombudsman sabi niya perpetually disqualified, tama po ‘yun. Pero sa amin, lahat ng kandidatong na magsisinungaling sa certificate of candidacy o tinatawag natin na misrepresentation, ay kinakailangang humarap sa kasong kriminal,” he added.
Earlier this month, the Comelec en banc approved the recommendation of its law department to file a motu proprio complaint against Guo for material misrepresentation.
Garcia had said the embattled mayor will be given the chance to explain her side.
“Hinihintay na namin ang kanyang magiging sagot sampung araw matapos namin mai-serve ang tinatawag natin na subpoena. Again, hindi ito hihinto dahil lang sa desisyon ng ibang korte o ibang opisina,” the poll chairman said.
Last week, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Guo for grave misconduct. She was dismissed from service with forfeiture of all her retirement benefits as well as perpetual disqualification from public office.
According to the Ombudsman, Guo’s acts such as her involvement in the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her locality showed a “willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules.”
