The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reiterated that former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo may be disqualified from running in the 2025 elections unless she secures a temporary restraining order (TRO).
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia explained in a media briefing that while the poll body will accept Guo's certificate of candidacy (COC) if she files, there are several grounds for disqualification.
These include being declared a nuisance candidate, challenges based on age and citizenship, and the Ombudsman’s decision to impose perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
"Kapag ang isang tao na-perpetually disqualified to hold public office dahil may decision of the Office of Ombudsman, ika-cancel po ang candidacy niya kahit pa 'yung taong 'yan ay naka-appeal sa Court of Appeals (CA), unless mag-issue ng TRO ang CA doon sa kanyang kaso sa Office of the Ombudsman," Garcia explained.
Despite this, Garcia appealed to the public for understanding, stating that the COMELEC has no choice but to accept any COC filed. However, he assured that the commission will act quickly to disqualify candidates deemed to be nuisance.
On Friday, Stephen David, the legal counsel for Guo, confirmed that she intends to submit her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, the final day for filing ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections.
Guo is currently facing charges related to graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, all tied to her alleged role in the operations of a Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her municipality.
