The Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality conducted an executive session with Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, to shed light on details she had previously refused to make public. As originally reported by GMA News, this session was initiated after a motion by Senator JV Ejercito and was presided over by Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.
Guo Denies Being Mastermind in POGO Operations
During the session, Guo refuted allegations of being the mastermind behind Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities in Bamban. She insisted that she was merely a victim in the situation.
“I’m not guilty… It’s not like I was used. I’m a helpful person, and if I ever helped anyone, that’s just how I am. But I have no involvement in the activities or allegations,” Guo explained.
She further mentioned that with the ongoing investigation, the Senate committee may already have an idea about who the real culprits are behind the POGO operations.
Willing to Expose the Guilty Party
When asked whether she is prepared to reveal the identities of those most responsible for the operations, Guo responded, “Yes, your honor.”
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who previously opposed Guo’s request for a private session, welcomed this new information. “This is the first time I’ve heard Guo mention that we’re getting closer to identifying the key figures behind the POGOs. We also need to uncover which government personnel might have assisted, possibly for monetary reasons,” Hontiveros said.
Legal Counsel Negotiations
Guo initially requested her two legal counsels to be present, but they were unavailable for the day’s hearing. The Senate panel offered a compromise, allowing her lawyers to attend virtually, so the session could proceed.
Senator Hontiveros proposed, “We can start now for a few minutes with your lawyers on Zoom, and continue when they can attend in person.” After being persuaded by Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan, Guo agreed to move forward with the session.
Outcome of the Executive Session
Senator Ejercito later informed reporters that the brief closed-door session did yield results, saying “may napala naman” (we got something out of it). The meeting was cut short due to the Senate’s 3 p.m. session, but it is scheduled to resume next week. Guo has promised to “recall everything” during the next session.
