Hontiveros questions DILG for filing graft case vs Guo in RTC instead of Sandiganbayan

Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned why the graft charge against suspected human trafficker Alice Guo was filed in a Regional Trial Court instead of Sandiganbayan, suggesting that the DILG might have intentionally filed a weakened case to gain custody. She emphasized that high-ranking officials like Guo should face charges in Sandiganbayan rather than lower courts.

Hontiveros also sent letters to the Capas RTC and PNP custodial center requesting Guo's appearance before a hearing scheduled for Monday, September 9.

According to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, they followed new rules under Republic Act 10660 which allows certain graft cases to be handled by Regional Trial Courts if the damage is less than P1 million or undetermined. However, Professor Theodore Te from UP College of Law argued that the case should not be heard in Tarlac given Guo's influence as former mayor.

The DOJ previously cited potential local biases when moving high-profile cases involving influential figures to other jurisdictions, suggesting a similar concern could apply to Guo’s case.