Gatchalian warns suspended Bamban mayor faces arrest for skipping Senate hearing

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo that she could face arrest if she skips the Senate hearing on July 10 regarding the raided POGO hub in her town.

Gatchalian emphasized during a press conference Friday that the Senate will not tolerate Guo's nonappearance, stressing that she must attend to answer questions about her alleged involvement in illicit activities related to POGOs.

The senator noted that while health reasons are often cited as an excuse for missing hearings, he dismissed Guo’s claims of being sick or stressed and accused her of habitual lying.

Gatchalian highlighted the Senate's authority to issue a warrant of arrest for contempt if she fails to appear and reiterated that lawmakers suspect her involvement in illegal POGO operations.

The senator called for the involvement of Guo's family members, particularly her father Jian Zhong Guo, whom he believes was part of these activities, stressing their goal is not just raiding but ensuring those involved face charges and are jailed to prevent further illegal operations.