Comelec files motu proprio complaint vs Mayor Alice Guo for material misrepresentation

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has approved the filing of a motu proprio complaint against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for alleged material misrepresentation.

The complaint stems from alleged material misrepresentation when Guo filed her certificate of candidacy for mayor in the 2022 local elections, possibly violating Section 74 in relation to Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the Comelec en banc unanimously adopted the recommendation of its fact-finding investigation team to file criminal charges and commence a preliminary investigation.

The panel reported finding sufficient factual bases to conclude that Guo and a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping are one and the same person, with her fingerprints matching.

Garcia noted that the preliminary investigation may take two to three weeks, after which Guo's camp will be given a chance to respond.

If probable cause is found, information will be filed against the respondent; otherwise, the case may be dismissed.