Escudero backs proposed Senate lawsuit vs Guo

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero —Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday supported Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s proposal to sue suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for continuously disregarding the order of the Senate for her to attend its hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos).

As earlier raised by Gatchalian, Escudero agreed that Guo may be held liable for flouting Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code, which imposes a six-month jail term on individuals found guilty of “disobedience to summons issued by Congress.”

READ: Senator mulls filing criminal case vs Guo, others

The Senate leader, who is also a lawyer, said Gatchalian or any other senator who has “personal knowledge” of the mayor’s refusal to comply with the chamber’s order should file a formal complaint before the Office of the State Prosecutor.

READ: Epic fail? Escudero says it’s ‘embarrassing’ PNP can’t locate Guo, Quiboloy

“If [Gatchalian] recommends it, the Senate legal [office] can look into it,” Escudero told reporters. “But there should be a complaint-affidavit from an individual who will take an oath because the Senate cannot do it (as a juridical entity),” he added.

Guo, who has been in hiding since the Senate ordered her arrest on July 11, skipped for the third straight time the legislative body’s investigation of the raided illegal Pogos in her town. —Marlon Ramos