Alice Guo, the former mayor of Banban Town in Tarlac Province, Philippines, appeared at the Department of Justice hearing under heavy SWAT protection, wearing bulletproof gear to formally submit her written defense against charges of tax evasion, forgery, and violation of the Anti-Corruption Law.
Her defense attorney, Nicole Jamila, presented three core arguments in court: insisting that the client has "no taxable assets," emphasizing "legal citizenship" regarding nationality issues, and defending the corruption charges by claiming "all administrative permissions are within her official duties."
This hearing is just the tip of the iceberg of Guo's legal troubles, as she is also deeply embroiled in multiple cases involving human trafficking, forgery of birth certificates, and public service qualifications lawsuits.
Notably, the authenticity of her nationality has become a key point of contention in the case, directly related to the legality of her real estate purchases and political eligibility.
Alice Guo, currently detained in Pasig City Jail, has her next hearing in early June, which has already attracted significant public attention. This judicial battle, intertwined with identity mysteries, corruption charges, and political struggles, continues to touch the sensitive nerves of Philippine society.
Despite being mired in controversy, Guo's team maintains a defense stance that "all actions are legal," adding intrigue to this complex legal battle.
