Latest news with #Bamban
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DOJ files 62 counts of money laundering vs Alice Guo
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday filed 62 counts of money laundering charges against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and others, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said. The PAOCC said the money laundering case against Guo, also known as Chinese citizen Guo Hua Ping, was filed before Capas, Tarlac Regional Trial Court (RTC). The charges include 26 counts of violation of Section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Law, which relates to transacting a monetary instrument or property that represent, involves, or relates to proceeds of an unlawful activity. Five counts are for violating Section 4(b) of the same law, which is committed by a person who converts, transfers, disposes of, acquires, possesses or uses such monetary instruments or properties. Finally, 31 counts are for Section 4(d), which pertain to attempts or conspiracy to commit money laundering offenses. Just two days ago, Guo personally filed separate counter-affidavits on the tax evasion, falsification, and graft complaints filed against her before the DOJ. Lawyer Nicole Jamilla, Guo's legal counsel, has maintained that her client is innocent of the criminal charges leveled against the former mayor. Guo is also facing a qualified trafficking case before a Pasig court, a graft case before a Valenzuela court, and a material misrepresentation case before a Tarlac court. A quo warranto petition was also filed against Guo with a Manila court, as well as a petition to cancel her birth certificate before a Tarlac court. Guo is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
26-01-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
AFP conducts background checks on 2025 election candidates to prevent foreign influence
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it is conducting background checks on candidates for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections as part of efforts to safeguard against foreign interference. AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the military is examining candidates' backgrounds through intelligence operations to detect any potential 'red flags.' If any issues arise, the AFP will report them to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Brawner emphasized that this initiative is a response to past concerns over candidates potentially slipping through security checks, referencing previous elections. He confirmed that the AFP is working closely with both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Comelec to prevent such occurrences in the future, intensifying intelligence efforts to protect the integrity of the elections. The AFP clarified that its intelligence operations are aimed at identifying security threats and preventing foreign influence on the political process, and any findings will be shared confidentially with Comelec for further action. The military reiterated its non-partisan stance and commitment to upholding the democratic process without bias. This move follows the earlier disclosure by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency about former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was revealed as an 'agent of influence' suspected of using her political position to sway decisions for foreign interests. Guo, who won in the May 2022 elections, was dismissed after her involvement came to light.
