SolGen: Too early to say there’s basis to file quo warranto vs Guo

MANILA, Philippines — Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said it’s too soon to say they have a legal basis to file a quo warranto case against embattled Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.

In an ambush interview at the Senate on Wednesday, Guevarra said they are still consolidating evidence gathered from various sources and government agencies to determine if there is good reason to institute a quo warranto against Guo.

“We’ll gather, finalize, consolidate all available evidence, and on the basis of these [pieces of] evidence, we will determine exactly what cause of action — what kind of legal action or complaint we are going to file, but for now, it’s too premature to say that we have a basis to file a quo warranto proceeding against the mayor,” said Guevarra.

Apart from this, Guevarra said his office is also looking at “other possible causes of action” other than quo warranto, which may be more suitable.

“We would not like to announce what these legal actions are until we are sure kung anong ebidensya ang magsu-sustain ng (what evidence would sustain) any legal action. So I hope you will bear with the OSG, we want to make sure that we can present an air-tight case.

“We do not want to make announcements kung hindi naman namin maba-backup-an ng ebidensya (if we cannot back them up with evidence),” he said.

Guevarra said they are leaving other issues to the concerned government agencies. If there is possible criminal behavior, for instance, he said the Department of Justice may lead its own proceedings.

“But as far as [the] Office of the Secretary General is concerned, we’re focusing on the possibility of quo warranto or other related actions that would eventually lead to the filing of a quo warranto,” he said.

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 in the hearing.

Guo earlier disclosed that she grew up with her father on a hog-raising farm. According to her, she stayed hidden, as she was the love child of her father and his housekeeper.

READ: I am not a spy – Bamban Mayor Alice Guo 

Other “irregularities” in Guo’s citizenship were likewise questioned by senators, noting that the town mayor couldn’t even share significant details of her upbringing.