Alice Guo case transferred to Valenzuela RTC

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Capas, Tarlac will transfer the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to the RTC of Valenzuela.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino confirmed the transfer, citing a directive from Presiding Judge Sarah Vedaña Delos Santos.

Guo's arraignment and pre-trial scheduled for September 13 were canceled due to the jurisdictional issue.

Tolentino previously argued that the Capas RTC lacked jurisdiction based on Republic Act 10660, which mandates that cases involving officials should be tried in a judicial region other than where they hold office.

He asserted that only the Senate's arrest warrant against Guo should be considered valid.

Tolentino also clarified that Guo's dismissal as mayor does not negate the potential for undue influence on the Tarlac court.

The transfer aims to prevent any perceived influence Guo might still wield in Tarlac.