The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified on Tuesday that it does not have the authority to automatically cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, even if she runs for a government position despite her dismissal. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco emphasized that the decision regarding Guo’s perpetual disqualification, imposed by the Ombudsman, is “immediately executory” but does not directly lead to automatic cancellation of her candidacy.
Laudiangco urged voters to carefully assess candidates for the upcoming 2025 elections, as some may already have disqualification rulings from courts or tribunals. He emphasized the importance of staying informed to avoid electing individuals who may not be eligible to run.
Alice Guo is currently facing multiple charges, including graft, human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, linked to her alleged involvement in a Philippines Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bamban. She is currently detained at Pasig City Jail after being dismissed from her position as mayor in August. Guo has yet to decide whether she will run in the 2025 midterm elections.