Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay faced questions at the Senate about his alleged relationship with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, which he strongly denies despite photos and documents linking them.

Senator Risa Hontiveros presented receipts showing that construction supplies for Guo’s family pig farm were listed under Calugay’s name.

Calugay said his family’s business deals in construction supplies and clarified that Guo had asked him for advice on where to buy affordable materials.

He said the receipts were issued in his name because Guo did not have a registered account with the supplier.

GUO'S COUNTER-AFFIDAVIT

Meanwhile, the hearing also addressed a notarized counteraaffidavit of Guo, which she reportedly signed before leaving the Philippines.

Guo’s secretary, Cath Salazar, claimed that Guo provided instructions to find a notary and that a lawyer prepared the affidavit's other pages.

However, the secretary said they did not verify Guo’s whereabouts at the time.

Senator Win Gatchalian questioned how the lawyers could be unaware of Guo’s departure, suggesting that Atty. Elmer Galicia, the notary, should be held accountable for notarizing the affidavit without verifying its contents.

Atty. Galicia declined to comment, citing his right against self-incrimination.

BACKGROUND

Guo, facing multiple legal charges including graft, corruption, and human trafficking linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) operations, returned to the Philippines after being arrested in Indonesia.

Her return followed a coordinated effort between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Indonesian law enforcement.

Guo arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 1:30 a.m. on September 6, 2024, after being deported from Jakarta.

She faces charges related to POGO operations, including 87 counts of money laundering and human trafficking, and is linked to a contempt charge for repeatedly avoiding Senate hearings.

Guo had previously evaded arrest orders and left the Philippines in July 2024.

Her return has re-ignited the Senate investigation into her alleged illegal activities and connections.

As the Senate prepares to resume its investigation, Guo, and other individuals linked to her, will face further legal proceedings.

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that while her physical custody remains with the PNP, the bureau will oversee her legal status as the cases against her unfold.