DOJ investigates lawyer for notarizing mayor’s affidavit without meeting her

A lawyer admitted Tuesday that dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo did not personally swear before him her counter-affidavit related to a human trafficking complaint filed by the Department of Justice.

During Senate hearings, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned Atty. Elmer Galicia about notarizing Guo's affidavit on August 14 when she was out of the country.

The DOJ will investigate Atty. Elmer Galicia for his lapses in following proper procedures during the notarization process and may face sanctions or even suspension if proven to have misled authorities.

Galicia claimed that a man named Allan from his religious organization helped with the transaction, presenting an ID without Guo entering his office, raising concerns over potential misuse of his authority as a notary public.

DOJ Undersecretary Nicolas Felix Ty stated that Galicia could face perjury charges if proven to have lied about meeting Guo for the notarization process.

The counter-affidavit, which was filed by Guo and others in response to the human trafficking complaint, may likely be denied by prosecutors due to Galicia's pronouncements.