Suspended mayor apologizes but Senate demands compliance

Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Senate President Francis Escudero for any misunderstanding regarding her intentions and wrote a letter expressing that she did not mean to dictate to the Senate.

Guo's lawyer stated in the letter received on July 22 that it was not her intention to disrespect the Senate or ignore legal processes, but she failed to commit to attending future hearings or outlining next steps.

Senate President Escudero dismissed Guo’s apology and emphasized that he will no longer respond unless she complies with the subpoena and arrest order issued by the Senate.

Escudero stressed that hearings on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will continue despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's announcement of a ban, urging Guo to cooperate with the investigation.

Guo remains under investigation for her involvement in processing documents for POGO operations and has been ordered arrested by the Senate for failing to attend previous sessions, with authorities still searching for her and her family.