Alice Guo graft case moved to Valenzuela RTC

The graft case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has been transferred from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Capas, Tarlac to the Valenzuela RTC.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino announced the transfer, which led to the cancellation of Guo's arraignment and pre-trial.

The Capas court was argued to not have jurisdiction over the case, as public officials of Guo's rank should be tried in a judicial region other than where they hold office, in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 10660.

The Clerk of Court in Valenzuela confirmed receipt of Guo's case folders and scheduled the case raffle for September 19.

The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act case was filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, alleging Guo used her position to issue a permit to an illegal POGO.

Guo is also facing other charges including human trafficking, immigration-related offenses, and 87 counts of money laundering totaling approximately P7 billion.

She was recently apprehended in Indonesia and returned to the Philippines.