For Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the "burden of proof" is on those who are saying that Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is not Filipino.
During the Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, May 23, Escudero stated that for now, the presumption that the mayor is Filipino remains based on the documents presented and testimonies given to the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality.
“Oo may rason para mag-alanganin tayo -- pero ang presumption ay nananatilli pa rin. Siya ay nakatakbo, registered voter, may passport siya na Pilipino siya. Nasa nagsasabing na hindi na patunayan yun (Yes, there's a reason to doubt -- but the presumption remains. She was able to run for office, a registered voter, she has Philippine passport. Those who are accusing her must prove [that she's not Filipino]),” said Escudero.
Escudero also explained that it is the Solicitor General who can file a petition against Guo’s citizenship.
"The only one who can question it is the Solgen. The Comelec has no power to disqualify her," Escudero said in Filipino.
Escudero further cited the case of Senator Grace Poe, whose real parents are unknown, and only her adoptive parents emerged, leading the Supreme Court to consider her a foundling.
"There is a basic principle in law: He who alleges must prove the same," Escudero said.
For now, he said it is up to the Solgen to file the quo warrant petition that will cancel Guo’s birth certificate and ultimately revoke her citizenship.