Court allows ex-Bamban mayor Alice Guo to attend Senate hearing

The Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court has granted the Senate's request for dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to attend the continuation of the legislative investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, shared a copy of the court order, citing the critical importance of the inquiry in aid of legislation.

The court order specifies that Guo, also known as 'Guo Hua Ping,' is allowed to attend the scheduled public hearing on the condition that strict protocol is observed.

The Tarlac court also directed the PNP Custodial Center to bring Guo to the Senate on Monday, September 9.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed that the PNP will adhere to the court order, ensuring strict observance of security protocols.

Hontiveros had previously written to the Tarlac court and the PNP Custodial Center to facilitate Guo's attendance at the hearing, as she was previously cited in contempt by the Senate for repeated absences.