21-8-2024 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the departure of Alice Guo, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, from the Philippines. The president’s announcement on Wednesday signalled a determined effort to root out corruption within the country’s justice system.
In a strongly-worded statement, Marcos declared, “Guo’s escape has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust.” He emphasised the gravity of the situation, adding, “Heads will roll… There is no room in this government for anyone who places personal interest above serving the Filipino people with honour, integrity and justice.”
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Guo, despite being subject to an immigration lookout bulletin, managed to leave the Philippines for Malaysia on 17 July. This development prompted Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to instruct the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to initiate proceedings to cancel Guo’s passport, along with those of her siblings and Lucky South 99 POGO representative Cassandra Ong.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough inquiry into the former mayor’s escape. The Bureau of Immigration later reported that Guo had moved on to Indonesia, further complicating the situation.
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— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) August 20, 2024
However, Guo’s legal representatives maintain that their client remains in the Philippines. Stephen David, one of her lawyers, stated, “We, as her counsel, have always relied on the assurances provided by our client that she is still in the Philippines. Thus, without further evidence to prove that she has indeed left the country, our reliance in good faith on the assurances by our client remains.”
This case has brought to light significant vulnerabilities in the Philippines’ border control and judicial systems. It raises questions about the effectiveness of immigration lookout bulletins and the potential for corruption within government agencies responsible for enforcing travel restrictions.
