Comelec: We have no power to automatically cancel Alice Guo candidacy

The Commission of Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it does not have the power to automatically cancel dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo's certificate of candidacy (COC) should she run for another seat in government.

"Kami po tinitingnan din namin yung decision ng Ombudsman, yung pinapatawan ng perpetual disqualification. May data po kasi yan at immediate executory," Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco told reporters.

(We are also looking at the decision of the Ombudsman in imposing the perpetual disqualification because that has data and immediate executory.)

Laudiangco also advised voters to thoroughly check the candidates running for the 2025 election.

"Baka meron dyan may decision na ang courts, tribunal na disqualified na sila," he said.

(There could be those with court decisions or the tribunal that has disqualified them.)

Guo is facing charges for graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion for her alleged involvement in the Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her town.

She is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail.

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Guo as Bamban mayor in August.

Last month, Guo said she has yet to decide whether or not she will seek reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.—RF, GMA Integrated News