Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed skepticism over the alleged proposal to make Shiela Guo, the alleged sister of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, a state witness, citing concerns about her legal representation.
During the Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday afternoon, Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, stated that it is difficult to fully trust Shiela's recent testimonies, as they contain numerous inconsistencies.
Gatchalian noted that Shiela shares the same lawyer as her sister, which raises doubts about her credibility.
"Sa tingin ko unang-una yung abogado ni Guo Hua Ping a.k.a Alice Guo ay abogado niya pareho. So ang hinala ko dyan si Guo Hua Ping pa siguro ang nagbabayad ng abogado niya. Mahirap naman na magsabi siya ng impormasyon laban kay Guo Hua Ping pero si Guo Hua Ping naman ang nagababayad ng abogado niya," said Gatchalian.
Gatchalian further argued that it is premature for Shiela to be considered as a state witness, as she has not provided complete details and appears to be centrally involved in the activities under investigation.
Shiela denied any involvement in POGO operations during her statement on Tuesday. However, documents reveal that she served as a corporate secretary and treasurer for the Guo family businesses, including QJJ Farm and QJJ Embroidery, on 90 different occasions.
Shiela remains in Senate custody as the investigation continues.
