Judge considers evidence vs Guo during bail hearing ‘strong’ - DOJ

Metro Manila, Philippines - The presiding judge of a Pasig court considered the evidence against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo “strong,” leading to her bail petition denial on qualified trafficking cases, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Sunday, Dec. 22.

The DOJ lauded the court’s decision against Guo, who was tagged in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).

“This is a significant progress towards our commitment to deliver real justice in real time, and a testament that indeed, strong collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcers during case build up lead to stronger and tighter cases,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.

“We consider this a milestone in our anti-trafficking efforts as this underscores our strong resolve to hold accountable the big bosses who are financing and supporting the perpetration of these crimes, as well as their co-conspirators who helped them achieve their malevolent goals,” said Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty.

Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, pleaded not guilty to the trafficking charge against her.

The DOJ formed the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking following a raid in a POGO hub in Bamban last March.

The justice department and the inter-agency council pledged to continue raid and rescue operations and case filing against individuals involved in illegal POGO activities.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.