Atty. Elmer Galicia, who notarized the counter-affidavit for dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, is at risk of facing legal charges and disbarment if proven that he lied about having seen Guo in person despite reports of her fleeing the country.
"Ang ethics namin at ang rule, pagkamagpapanotaryo ka, you must personally appear before me, if I am the notary public. Hindi pwedeng padala," National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said during a joint press conference of NBI, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday.
"Kung inonotaryo ang isang dokumento, kailangan personally mag-appear yung affiant sa abogado," he added.
Galicia, who operates an office in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, affirmed that he encountered Guo on the night of August 14, outside his office in San Jose Del Monte, where he notarized her counter-affidavit, as referred by an individual named Allan.
Director Santiago mentioned that if proven guilty of lying, Galicia may face perjury and administrative charges, which could result in the revocation or suspension of his license.
According to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, a hearing will be conducted to address this issue, with Guo's legal counsel and Galicia present, to scrutinize the veracity of their claims.
Reports from various government agencies and officials indicate that Guo has been out of the country since mid-July.
