The arraignment of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for two counts of graft charges at the Valenzuela court was postponed, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) confirmed on Monday, September 30.
In an interview, BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera stated that the Valenzuela Regional Trial Court Branch 282 reset Guo’s arraignment on October 28 in the graft cases filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“No reason was relayed to us (for arraignment’s postponement). May constant monitoring tayo sa movement niya (Guo) (We constantly monitor her movement),’’ Bustinera assured.
Bustinera noted that the BJMP will closely be on hand during Guo’s “movement’’ as she is facing “qualified human trafficking’’ charges before the Pasig Regional Trial Court 167.
Earlier, Bustinera disclosed that Guo was in a state of shock during her first day of incarceration at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory where the former mayor was detained on September 23.
He revealed that Guo did not interact with her other 43 cellmates, which is normal during the adjustment period for any new PDLs.
Under the circumstances, Bustinera said that the BJMP advised Guo’s cellmates to welcome her, talk to her, engage with her, so that she won’t feel isolated in the cell as the “shocked’’ former mayor is still adjusting to her new environment.
On Monday, September 23, Guo was transferred from the Philippine National Police custodial facility in Camp Crame to the Pasig City Jail following the Pasig Regional Trial Court order.
Bustinera pointed out that security is tight, with no threat to Guo’s safety as the guard station is located near her cell.
As a policy, Bustinera stressed that the BJMP accords “no VIP treatment’’ to any PDL, with the meals given to her cellmates also provided to Guo.
However, Guo did not eat dinner on Monday, September 23, but took breakfast the following morning before proceeding to the Senate, where she arrived with the BJMP escorts at 7 a.m. for the continuation of the inquiry into her and her alleged links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
"What she will eat is what everyone eats in the population," Bustinera pointed out, noting that Guo can have her visitors bring food subject to inspection.
He noted that an ambulance and a doctor accompanied Guo to ensure her wellness.