The camp of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo on Wednesday, June 19 debunked allegations made by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian that she was harboring another identity, saying she is prepared to address the allegations “fully and transparently”.
Guo pointed this out after Gatchalian revealed documents from the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) suggesting that Mayor Guo could also be Guo Hua Ping, who entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003, at the age of 13, with a birth date of August 31, 1990.
Based on the documents, Gatchalian said Guo Hua Ping's registered mother under the Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) is Lin Wen Yi.
“Mayor Guo is prepared to address these allegations fully and transparently. She even stressed the point that ‘he who alleges must prove!’” her legal counsel, Nicole Jamila, said.
“Mayor Guo asserts her Filipino citizenship based on her birthright, cultural ties, and continuous residency in the Philippines. Her belief in her Filipino identity has been consistent, supported by her active participation in local business and community life as well as the people she interacts with,” Jamila added.
The mayor’s lawyer said many community members are willing to execute affidavits and share historical documentation to further bolster her citizenship as a Filipino.
“Legal defenses for her nationality include birthright citizenship having been born by a Filipino mother, out of wedlock, and the recognition of Filipino citizenship by Philippine authorities, including the issuance of a birth certificate and a Philippine passport, among others.
Moreover, she said the mayor’s acquisition of personal and real properties in the Philippines was made in accordance with laws and procedures, having complied with all legal requirements, including payment of taxes and fees.
“Philippine law protects such acquisitions, emphasizing the individual's good faith and compliance with legal norms,” her lawyer said.
“As the current Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Mayor Guo acknowledges the paramount importance of her eligibility for office. She stands ready to present substantial evidence supporting her Filipino citizenship, including birth records and affidavits. Her lifelong actions and beliefs as a Filipino citizen affirm her rightful candidacy and tenure in office,” added Guo’s legal representative.
Jamila also pointed out that China does not recognize dual citizenship. Furthermore, she said such allegation contradicts the fact that she is required, and indeed secured, a Chinese visa as visitor of said country whenever she visits China.
“Mayor Guo remains steadfast in her position, supported by her legitimate belief in her Filipino nationality, her significant contributions to the community, and her adherence to legal requirements,” she said.
“Mayor Guo welcomes any challenges to her nationality status, property ownership, or eligibility for office in a proper forum with due consideration of her rights and the best interests of the Bamban community,” Guo’s camp said.
The local chief executive from Tarlac had earlier insisted she is not linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) companies in her town that were raided for the