Photo credit: Senate PH

In a recent ruling, Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Annielyn Medes-Cabelis has denied a Senate request to allow former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and five others to attend a Senate inquiry set for Tuesday morning. The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality had asked for the accused to be excused, but Judge Medes-Cabelis upheld that a previously scheduled court hearing takes priority.

In her letter to the Senate, the judge explained that the request couldn’t be granted as there is already a hearing scheduled for November 26, 2024, at 8:30 AM concerning the charges against the accused. The other individuals involved are Jamielyn Santos Cruz, Thelma Barroso Laranan, Rita Sapnu Yturralde, Rowena Evangelista, and Rachelle Joan Alonzo Carreon.

Guo, who was dismissed from her position as mayor due to grave misconduct, is facing multiple charges, including graft, qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and tax evasion, all tied to her alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities. The legal proceedings against her and her co-accused will continue as scheduled, with the court hearing taking precedence over any external requests.