A Senate panel has cited in contempt suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo who was absent at the resumption of the investigation on the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in her town on Wednesday, July 10.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada immediately moved for the issuance of an arrest order against Guo, a motion that Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros approved.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also moved to cite her in contempt, along with some of her relatives who were also issued subpoenas by the committee.
The seven other persons cited in contempt were Nancy Gamo (alleged former consultant of Alice Guo), Dennis Cunanan (ex-Technology Resource Center chief), Lin Wen Yi (Alice’s alleged biological mother), Guo Siemen (Alice’s brother), Guo Jian Zhong (or Angelito Guo, Alice’s father), Shiela Guo, and Wesley Guo (Alice’s sister and brother.
The committee also issued subpoenas for 15 persons:
1. Jaimielyn S. Cruz
2. Roderick Paul B. Pujante
3. Juan Miguel Alpas
4. Katherine Cassandra Ong
5. Alberto Rodulfo “Ar” De La Serna
6. Jonathan Mendoza
7. Ronelyn B. Baterna
8. Michael Bryce B. Mascarenas
9. Stephanie B. Mascarenas
10. Rodrigo A. Banda
11. Jing Gu
12. Xiang Tan
13. Daniel Salcedo, Jr.
14. Chona A. Alejandre
15. Duanren Wu
Gatchalian said their decision to ignore the Senate’s subpoena showed their lack of respect for the institution which is giving them a chance to present their side.
During the hearing, Hontiveros told the committee Guo has sent a letter to her panel saying she could not attend the hearing due to death threats and mental health concerns.
But the letter, she pointed out, was not backed by a medical certificate.
“We find her claims in the letter void of credibility,” Hontiveros said.