Senate President Francis Escudero speaks during the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, May 23, 2024. INQUIRER.net / NOY MORCOSO
MANILA, Philippines — Newly-installed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero admitted that embattled Bamban town Mayor Alice Guo’s identity is dubious, but he noted that “the burden of proof” now lies upon on those alleging that she is not Filipino.
“There’s [a] basic principle in law: He who alleges must prove the same. Iyong nag-a-allege na hindi [siya Filipino], dapat patunayan. Kung mapatunayan, eh ‘di dapat tanggalin,” said Escudero in a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday.
(There is a basic principle in law. He who alleges must prove the same. Those that are alleging that she is not Filipino, must prove it. If proven, then she must be removed.)
“Let me say it this way: The burden of proof is on those saying she is not. Kaya nga, gaya ng sabi ng [Commission on Elections], ministerial ang pagtanggap ng Certificate of Candidacy. In fact, hindi sila pwedeng mag-disqualify,” he added.
(Let me say it this way: The burden of proof is on those saying she is not. Similar to what Comelec said, acceptance of COC is ministerial. In fact, they cannot disqualify.)
Guo has been the subject of scrutiny after the Senate panel on women bared her alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
Panel head Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier flagged the town mayor’s supposed links to criminals. Despite repeated questioning from senators, Guo categorically denied having links to Pogos.
“First of all, I am not connected with Pogo, I am not an operator and I am not a protector of Pogo. I am not related to any operation and any activities within and outside Pogo,” said Guo then.
Meanwhile, Escudero said only the Solicitor General can question Guo’s citizenship by filing a quo warranto case.
Guo earlier disclosed that she grew up with her father on a hog-raising farm. According to her, she stayed hidden, being the love child of her father and his housekeeper.
Other “irregularities” in Guo’s citizenship were likewise questioned by senators, noting that the town mayor couldn’t even tell significant details of her upbringing.