DOJ submits money laundering case against Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and 35 others

The money laundering complaint against former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and 35 others has been submitted for resolution by prosecutors at the Department of Justice.

Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit confirmed that this is the final hearing in the preliminary investigation phase, with a panel of prosecutors concluding their review based on findings from the Anti-Money Laundering Council, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.

Prosecutors will now issue a resolution to either dismiss the case or recommend charges be filed against the respondents based on evidence presented, including counter-affidavits from some accused like Shiela Guo and Cassandra Li Ong.

Former mayor Guo is facing 87 counts of money laundering involving an estimated P7 billion in fraudulent fund transfers, while others have not submitted responses but will still face proceedings without their affidavits.

Lawyer Raphael Andrada argued for the dismissal of charges against Ong based on denials and flaws in the original complaint, with Alice Guo's lawyer Atty. Stephen David also hoping for case dismissal.

Guo is also facing other cases including human trafficking and graft before separate courts, as well as a tax evasion complaint with the Justice Department.