A group of senators in the Philippines on Wednesday urged increased vigilance in the upcoming 2025 elections to prevent issues similar to the controversy surrounding dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.
“There’s still a chance this could happen again. It’s everyone’s job to stay alert and ensure it doesn’t, and if it does, we need to act quickly,” said Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero during a press briefing. He emphasized that while the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has a duty to accept candidacy applications, it is crucial that any potential disqualifications are thoroughly examined.
Escudero highlighted that Comelec’s ministerial function in processing certificates of candidacy cannot be changed but assured that disqualification cases can be pursued if necessary. “There are procedures in place to disqualify candidates during the campaign if they aren’t qualified… And even if someone slips through, we still have legal processes like quo warranto to challenge their election or position,” he explained.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III echoed Escudero’s sentiments, calling for thorough scrutiny of candidates’ qualifications. “We need to be vigilant, but there’s no need to panic,” Pimentel said, adding that there are remedies available, as seen in Guo’s case.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino warned that more cases like Guo’s could arise in the 2025 elections, stressing the need for vigilance not just from Comelec, but from the public and intelligence community as well.
Senator Grace Poe added that the current filing of candidacies should be used as a chance to block unqualified individuals from entering the election process. “At the outset, Comelec must rigorously screen aspirants’ documents and qualifications to ensure they meet basic requirements, such as Filipino citizenship,” Poe said, urging all concerned agencies to prevent another case like Guo’s from slipping through.
Alice Guo is facing legal battles related to her candidacy, including a quo warranto petition and a material misrepresentation case. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Guo’s fingerprints match those of a Chinese national, sparking questions about her identity and involvement in illegal activities during her time as mayor.
