Screengrab from Senator Win Gatchalian

The Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, may potentially face perjury charges if it is proven that she lied about her citizenship, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

After Mayor Alice Guo trended online due to questions regarding her citizenship, the Comelec stated that while the Constitution does not require additional documentation to prove citizenship, the Mayor could face legal repercussions if found to be non-Filipino.

"If it is proven that she is not a Filipino citizen, she could be liable or charged with perjury, as she swore under oath on the Certificate of Candidacy," said Atty. George Garcia, Chairperson of the Comelec.

The Comelec emphasized that they have no right to refuse a filed Certificate of Candidacy as long as the requirements are complete. In Mayor Guo's case, there were reportedly no disqualification cases filed against her while she was still a candidate.