By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Caught up in circles for weeks, the Senate is finally gaining headway on the Alice Guo mystery story. Commendations are in order for our senators’ resolve to pursue answers, especially Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
This should give the national government the cue to stay vigilant. The suspended mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, and her entourage have evaded Senate grilling this week despite a clear arrest order for her ties to alleged illegal activities.
Law enforcement must bear in mind that this case represents major concerns of the country: wildly-run Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations in Luzon marked by the worst of crimes from human trafficking and illegal gambling to kidnapping and murder. And we haven’t touched the issue of possible espionage just yet.
The narrative pushed by Guo’s lawyer is that she is unfit to face the congressional hearing because of trauma and confusion. Let’s remember that the public not only demands but deserves accountability. Clearly, one who has catapulted herself to getting elected as mayor understands this.
Her lawyer claims she is contemplating surrender, but being nowhere before the Senate hearing only raises further suspicion that she might be on the go.
And what about Guo and her former company’s shady connections? The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) discovered transactions between one of Guo’s companies and the brother of Michael Yang, former President Duterte’s economic adviser.
Hontiveros cited these dealings, suggesting that Yang had a stake in the POGO business as well. Guo’s Baofu Land Development Inc. received funds from Hongjiang Yang and Yu Zheng Can’s joint account, financing the POGO complex raided in March.
Also, Hongjiang’s ties to Full Win Group, linked to the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., expose a network of questionable actors.
Again, the Senate’s efforts to untangle this web should be a wake-up call for stricter enforcement. The government must ensure justice is served swiftly and thoroughly. No more delays, no more excuses.
Anti-dynasty senator
Now, this comes as a surprise. Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill to bar members of the same political dynasty from running for public office. His bill, Senate Bill No. 2730, aims to break the stranglehold of political families who compromise competition and accountability.
If you examine the numbers, they’re staggering: the percentage of governors with relatives in office jumped from 41% in 1988 to 80% in 2019. This dynastic dominance stifles the best and brightest from serving the Filipino people.
Padilla’s newfound stance is unexpected, though. I mean, coming from “the Bad Boy” himself, what’s his idol and political compass, Digong Duterte, going to say?
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