Photo credit: Senate PH

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero assured that the Senate remains committed to respecting the rights of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Despite this, he has called on law enforcement agencies to assist the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) in enforcing the arrest order issued for Guo.

Escudero emphasized that the Senate’s arrest warrant is not meant to punish Guo but to ensure her attendance, along with seven others, at an ongoing inquiry into their alleged connections with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). He pointed out that the warrant is more about ensuring their presence rather than punishing them for any crimes.

The Senate chief also addressed concerns about Guo’s reluctance to voluntarily attend the inquiry, suggesting that her unwillingness to come forward might indicate she’s trying to avoid something. “Her refusal to surrender and answer simple questions, though not coerced, could imply that she has something to hide or is avoiding something,” Escudero said.

He clarified that this arrest warrant is solely for securing her presence at the hearing and not for imprisonment or punishment. The OSAA has already set up a detention facility for Guo and the others involved.