Comelec gives Alice Guo another 10 days to file counter-affidavit

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has given dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo another 10 days to file her counter-affidavit on a subpoena filed against her for alleged material misrepresentation in the 2022 elections.

This was after the poll body partially granted the second motion for extension of time that Guo filed last week. 

"Acting on the Second Motion for Extension of Time to File Counter-Affidavit dated 30 August 2024 filed by Atty. Nicole Rose Margaret D. Jamilla, counsel for Respondent Alice Leal Guo, respectfully praying that Respondent Alice Leal Guo be given an extension of time of 15 days from 01 September 2024, or until 16 September 2024, within which to file the required Counter-Affidavit, this Department hereby partially grants the same," the Comelec order reads. 

"Respondent Alice Leal Guo/ Hua Ping Lin Guo is hereby given 10 calendar days from 02 September 2024 or until 12 September 2024 within which to file her Counter-Affidavit," it said.

No further extension will be given to Guo, the Comelec added. 

Comelec representatives formally served a subpoena against the dismissed mayor on August 13. Poll chief George Erwin Garcia said Guo was given 10 days or until August 23 to file a counter-affidavit but the period was moved to August 27 due to public holidays. Their appeal for an extension until September 1 was approved but that was extended again due to inclement weather. 

In filing their second appeal, Guo's legal counsel said they are having difficulty communicating with Guo and the final draft of her counter-affidavit is still pending signature and verification.

Guo, who faces complaints of human trafficking, undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws, was brought back to the Philippines on September 6 aboard a private plane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

She disappeared from public eye after attending Senate hearings in May into her alleged involvement in the raided POGO hub in her locality. This prompted the Senate to issue an arrest order against her.

Guo left the country in July despite her name being on the immigration lookout bulletin. Investigation showed her fingerprints matched those of Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping. —KBK, GMA Integrated News