Guo will be safe in Senate custody, says Escudero

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero —Senate SMU

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero said suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo will be safe, and may even be allowed to use gadgets, if she ever gets arrested and taken into custody by the Senate.

Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview on Tuesday, Escudero said Guo—should she finally be arrested—will be detained in a facility near a Philippine National Police (PNP) office within the Senate compound.

The senate chief described the detention facility as an airconditioned room with its own restroom and bunk beds.

“At least the PNP itself will be guarding her and only their K-9 unit is hanging out there right now. I have inspected it earlier and if necessary to ensure the security of Mayor Guo, we will detain her there along with her relatives. As long as the committee does not schedule a hearing,” said Escudero.

READ: Arrest Alice Guo, others – Senate

Asked if Guo will be allowed to use gadgets while in detention, Escudero admitted that he does not see the reason why the embattled local official should not be allowed to use such.

Ordered a review

“According to the current rules and guidelines, the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) would not allow it. But should the need arise, the OSAA may provide a phone line. But I have ordered a review because I found that the rule was already old and may no longer be applicable,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the same interview, Escudero admitted to believing that Guo has no reason to be scared.

“I don’t know where the threats against her life are coming from. This is not a penalty. This is not a punishment for the commission of any crime. This order to detain her is only to ensure that she will attend the Senate hearing. And after she attended the hearing, there is no reason to continue her detention,” Escudero emphasized.

The Senate on Saturday issued an arrest order against Guo and seven others for refusing to appear, despite due notices, at the committee on women’s hearing on July 10.

A quick look into the official arrest order shared to  the media would show that it was signed by panel head Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Escudero.

The document stated that Guo’s refusal to appear before the Senate “delayed, impeded, and obstructed” the inquiry into the reported violation of human trafficking, serious illegal detention, and physical abuse and torture in the premises of an internet gaming licensee of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation.

Guo is subjected to scrutiny after the Senate panel on women bared her alleged ties to illegal pogo firm Zun Yuan Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac. Questions about her citizenship were also raised, leading to allegations that she is a Chinese spy—which she vehemently denied.

Apart from the embattled local official, arrest orders against her family members Sheila Guo, Wesley Leal Guo, Jian Zhong Guo, Seimen Guo and her suspected mother Wen Yi Lin were likewise released.

Also ordered arrested were Dennis  Cunanan,  an alleged authorized representative of Pogos, and Guo’s  accountant,  Nancy Gamo, who is now under the custody of the Senate.