Senator Loren Legarda issued a strong statement on September 4, 2024, regarding the arrest of Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, in Indonesia.
Guo, a controversial figure who previously served as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, is now facing charges of corruption and other illegal activities in the Philippines.
“Ang balitang pagkakahuli sa Indonesia kay Guo Hua Ping o mas kilala bilang Alice Guo ay isang mahalagang hakbang sa ating patuloy na pagsugpo sa mga katiwaliang kanyang kinasasangkutan. Ang kanyang pagtakas at pagtatago mula sa kanyang mga pananagutan dito sa Pilipinas ay malinaw na nagpapakita ng tahasang pag-iwas sa hustisya,” Legarda said.
Legarda emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into Guo’s activities, calling for transparency and accountability in uncovering all aspects of the case. “Patuloy nating tututukan ang takbo ng imbestigasyon upang matiyak na masusing matalakay at mabigyang linaw ang bawat aspeto ng kasong ito. Kailangang maisaalang-alang ang buong kwento ng katiwalian, malaman ang buong katotohanan nang walang halong pagtatakip, at matukoy ang lahat ng sangkot upang mabigyan ng karampatang aksyon at parusa ang anumang paglabag sa batas– mula sa ilegal na mga aktibidad kaugnay sa POGO tulad ng human trafficking, identity theft, money laundering, at kung ano pang ilegal na transaksyon,” she added.
The senator further underscored the dangers posed by activities connected to illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), including human trafficking, identity theft, and money laundering. “Hindi natin dapat pahintulutan ang ganitong uri ng katiwalian sa ating bayan. Ang Pilipinas ay para sa mga Pilipino—huwag natin hayaan na tayo pa ang maging biktima sa sarili nating bansa ng mga dayuhang ang hangad ay magsamantala at magdulot ng kapahamakan sa ating mamamayan at lipunan,” she stated.
This follows Legarda’s earlier remarks in June, where she expressed her belief that Guo was not who she claimed to be. “She is not a simple person who grew up in a farm,” the senator commented, alluding to suspicions about Guo’s true identity and connections. Guo has denied allegations of being a Chinese spy and insists she is a Filipino citizen, also refuting any involvement with POGO operations in Tarlac.
