Alice Guo not running for Bamban mayor anew

MANILA, Philippines — Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has provided a definitive answer regarding her re-election bid, giving a resolute "no."

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada asked about reports suggesting Guo wanted to run for mayor again.

“Haharapin ko po muna 'yung mga accusations po sa'kin. Linisin ko muna 'yung sarili ko po at para maging fair po sa mga constituents ko po na minamahal ko,” Guo replied.  

(I will face the accusations hurled against me. I will clean myself and so I can be fair to my constituents whom I love.)   

Guo’s legal counsel Stephen David previously said in a media interview that she wanted to run for mayor again. 

In a statement released by David, Guo sent her apologies to her constituents. 

“Kung may dugo man akong Chinese at nagkakaroon ngayon ng kuwestiyon sa aking nationality, at tatanungin niyo ako, sa harap ng buong Pilipinas ay sinasabi ko po na mas pinipili ko na maging Pilipino ako. Sa puso at sa diwa ay Pilipino ako,” Guo said. 

(Even if I do have Chinese blood and there are questions on my nationality, and if you ask me, in front of the whole Philippines I am saying that I choose to be a Filipino. My heart and soul is Filipino.) 

The announcement from Guo coincided with the Commission on Elections’ decision to file election offenses against Guo, particularly Section 74 of the Omnibus Election Code. 

This section outlines the requirements for filing a certificate of candidacy, including details such as name, birthplace and citizenship.

Guo’s identity has been subject to scrutiny, with the National Bureau of Investigation matching her fingerprints to Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.