Romualdez tells voters to be vigilant, prevent another ‘Alice Guo’

House Speaker Martin Romualdez File photo from the House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged voters to “remain vigilant” in scrutinizing candidates for the 2025 polls to “prevent another Alice Guo.”

Citing the case of the dismissed Bamban mayor, Romualdez said in a statement on Friday, “Please get to know the candidates, verify their qualifications, and proactively question any doubts that may arise.”

“We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy, and by working together, we can prevent any recurrence of past issues,” the House Speaker added.

On Thursday, an election lawyer said that while Guo was still under investigation due to her alleged ties to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators but had yet to be convicted, Guo was still eligible to file a bid to regain her seat.

READ: Lawyer: Sans conviction, disqualification, Guo still eligible to file COC

Guo’s lawyer later said she will pursue reelection.

READ: Alice Guo to run for mayor in 2025 polls – legal counsel 

Romualdez appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to “rigorously” vet candidates and suggested disqualification petitions as a possible remedy.

READ: Comelec to accept Guo’s COC but cites 3 grounds for disqualification

On Saturday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the commission will accept Guo’s certificate of candidacy but has the grounds to disqualify her.