MANILA – Former Philippine mayor Alice Guo faced intense scrutiny from the Senate on September 9, addressing questions about billions of pesos flowing into her bank accounts and their possible connections to a China-focused online gambling hub.
Guo, who was arrested in Indonesia after fleeing the Philippines, appeared before the Senate panel amid a backdrop of allegations involving money laundering and connections to the gambling industry. During the five-hour inquiry, Guo largely invoked her right against self-incrimination due to ongoing charges.
The investigation has captivated the nation, particularly due to questions about Guo’s citizenship, as her fingerprints reportedly match those of a Chinese national. The case has also fueled discussions about the ban on gambling facilities catering to Chinese clients, a trend that surged during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian probed the substantial fund flows into Guo’s accounts and her company, QJJ Farm, which reportedly received around five billion pesos (S$115.7 million) from 2018 to 2024. Gatchalian highlighted that this amount is nearly equivalent to the estimated six billion pesos required for the gambling hub in Bamban, Tarlac, where Guo previously served as mayor.
“The evidence is very strong. Even if you don’t talk, the documents will speak for themselves,” Gatchalian stated, emphasizing the weight of the financial evidence against Guo.
The senator further questioned how Guo’s net worth reached nearly 178 million pesos by the end of 2023, despite her farm business showing minimal earnings. He also noted that Guo’s name appeared on electricity bills for the gambling hub property as recently as January, suggesting ongoing involvement.
Guo denied any connection to the gambling hub and refused to disclose the sources of her funds, citing her ongoing legal battles involving money laundering and tax evasion. She maintained her stance that she does not operate an online gambling business.
During the hearing, Department of Justice officials mentioned that discussions about Guo becoming a state witness have not yet commenced. They indicated that any decision on such a matter would require Guo to provide significant testimony.