DOJ sets to resolve non-bailable human trafficking charge vs Alice Guo
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to resolve the non-bailable trafficking in persons charge filed against suspended Mayor Alice L. Guo of Bamban, Tarlac based only on the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).
The decision to resolve was arrived at when Guo failed anew to attend the preliminary investigation at the DOJ on Tuesday, August 6, and failed to submit her counter-affidavit to refute the charge.
Guo did not also appear during past hearings that started last July 5.
“As far as they (the prosecutors) are concerned, the case is submitted for resolution,” DOJ Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV told journalists after the hearing.
“Wala po si Mayor Alice Guo sa preliminary investigation (Guo did not attend the preliminary investigation hearing),” Clavano said.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Clavano said most of the respondents in case were able to submit their respective counter-affadavits that refuted the allegations against them in connection with the illegal activities of Zun Yuan Technology Center, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) facility that was raided by law enforcers last March 13 in Bamban town.
‘Yung iba po, si Mayor Alice Guo and the Chinese incorporators were not able to file (The others, Mayor Guo and the Chinese incorporators, were not able to file),” he disclosed.
“It was decided by the panel of prosecutors not to give them anymore another chance,” he added.
On the other hand, Clavano said three accused including former Technology Resource Center (TRC) director general Dennis L. Cunanan were allowed by the panel to submit their respective counter-affidavits on August 16.
“Today is the deadline for Mayor Alice Guo to submit her counter-affidavit,” he said.
Those who failed to submit their counter-affidavits “waived their right to answer the allegations," he stressed.
“Ibig sabihin ‘yung prosecutors ay magreresolve na ng kaso on the basis only of the complaint (This means the prosecutors will resolve the case based on the complaint),” he added.