Comelec approves criminal charges against suspended Mayor Alice Guo

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has approved filing criminal charges against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for material misrepresentation related to her 2022 candidacy.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the decision is based on evidence from a fact-finding investigation conducted by Comelec's Law Department and noted that Guo will have an opportunity to respond to the accusations.

The Comelec has directed its Law Department to file a formal complaint, conduct a preliminary investigation, and may issue a subpoena against Mayor Alice Leal Guo/Guo Hua Ping y Lin for material misrepresentation under the Omnibus Election Code.

In Minute Resolution No. 24-0559, the Comelec en banc also adopted the panel's recommendation to conduct a preliminary investigation against Guo for 'violation of Section 74 in relation to Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code.'

The case may take two to three weeks for a preliminary investigation.

After Guo’s camp has been given a chance to respond, the case can be submitted for resolution.