Bato clears name after reports say an ex-PNP chief helped Alice Guo flee PH

Amid information that a former head of the Philippine National Police allegedly helped dismissed mayor Alice Guo escape the country in exchange for money, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Tuesday took the opportunity to prevent his name from being dragged into the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) probe.

In the middle of the continuation of the Senate investigation into illegal POGOs, PAGCOR Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva, a retired general and a former Commander/Chief of the Communications, Electronics, & Information Systems Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CEISSAFP), said there were reports being validated that a former PNP chief was involved in Guo's escape and is rumored to be part of Guo's "monthly payroll."

Before the almost six-hour hearing ended, Dela Rosa, the head of the PNP during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, raised a series of questions to Guo in a bid to clarify that he was not the former PNP chief that Villanueva was referring to.

"Puwede bang malaman kung sino itong former Chief PNP? I am concerned because I am a former Chief PNP. Baka mamaya merong lalabas na script d'yan na si Bato ay tumatanggap ng pera galing sa iyo," Dela Rosa said, addressing Guo.

(May we know who this former Chief PNP is? I am concerned because I am a former Chief PNP. Some people might allege that I am the one who was said to be receiving money from Alice Guo.)

Guo, in response, categorically denied that there is a payroll for police officers.

"Wala pong ganun pong nangyayari," the former mayor said.

(There's nothing like that happening.)

Dela Rosa was not satisfied and asked Guo if she knew him and if they already met in the past or even crossed paths outside government functions.

"Nakita ko po kayo in person nung nandito na po sa Senate po," Guo said.

(I just met you in person when I came here to the Senate.)

Dela Rosa asked Guo again, "Before that nag-meet ba tayo (did we meet) in person?"

Guo responded, "Never po...Sigurado po (I am sure of that)."

Dela Rosa even asked if Guo had a "selfie" with him to make sure that he will not be linked in the illegal POGO operations.

"Kahit selfie, may selfie ka sa akin?" Dela Rosa asked, to which the dismissed mayor responded, "Selfie, I think wala po (tI believe there's none)."

(Do you have a selfie taken with me?)

"Siniguro ko lang... klaruhin ko lang ito," Dela Rosa said.

(I am just making sure and I wanted to clarify this.)

The senator then asked Villanueva to name the involved former PNP chief, but the PAGCOR official said he has no confirmation yet on the report.

"But I'm sure you're not the one, I think," Villanueva said.

Dela Rosa then thanked the PAGCOR official for his remarks.

"Thank you, thank you if [you think] I'm not the one. 'Yun lang. Siniguro ko lang (That's all. I'm just making sure). Thank you, General Villanueva. Thank you for that info," dela Rosa said.—RF, GMA Integrated News