Senators reject ex-mayor Guo's request for executive session

Two Philippine senators have rejected requests from former mayor Alice Guo's camp to hold a private executive session during discussions about her alleged ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who heads the Senate probe and women’s committee, stated that there is no reason to believe Guo would provide reliable information in an executive session.

Hontiveros criticized Guo for refusing to acknowledge her Chinese nationality and birthplace despite evidence presented to her, questioning her credibility.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed Hontiveros' concerns, noting that granting the request could undermine transparency and public accountability in Senate investigations.

Estrada warned that an executive session could foster secrecy and erode public trust in the proceedings unless Guo can provide concrete proof of threats to her life.

During a previous hearing, Guo repeatedly declined to answer certain questions from senators and requested for private sessions to disclose sensitive information.