Comelec accepts Alice Guo's COC amid dismissal order

The local Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Bamban, Tarlac confirmed they will accept dismissed Mayor Alice Guo's certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 elections.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco stated that the poll body cannot automatically cancel a COC or initiate disqualification proceedings, and they will await a final court decision.

Guo's lawyers emphasized that the public should be the judge of her qualifications, assuring her continued bid for the mayoral seat.

However, the Office of the Ombudsman previously ordered Guo's dismissal for grave misconduct, leading to her perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Comelec is expected to release its final ruling on the misrepresentation complaint against Guo before October 30 and will recognize the Ombudsman's decision.

Guo would need a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals to proceed with her candidacy despite the dismissal order.

She is also facing multiple charges including graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, and is detained at the Pasig City Jail.