Guo cited in contempt, detained by House panel

MANILA, Philippines —  The House quad committee yesterday cited in contempt dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo for making a fool out of the lawmakers when she told them that no Filipino public official helped her escape.

Presiding officer Rep. Robert Ace Barbers granted the motion of Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, who also moved that Guo be detained at the House until the panel submits its final report to the plenary, which may last until the end of the 19th Congress next year.

Guo insisted to congressmen that there is “no Filipino public official” who facilitated her escape, saying it was just “one foreigner.”

She had promised to tell all if her request for an executive session would be granted.

“There is no Philippine National Police (PNP) official, no Filipino. There is only one foreigner,” she said.

But the legislators thumbed this down, all of them finding it incredible that there was no public official involved.

Guo was apprehended in Indonesia in early September despite the absence of records from the Bureau of Immigration, an indication she left the country through the backdoor.

Meanwhile, Guo repeatedly refused to answer lawmakers regarding her purported local farming business, even the simplest of questions about operating a legitimate enterprise.

While she admitted to Quezon Province Third District Rep. Reynante Arrogancia that she also availed of loans to the tune of almost P200 million from government banks like Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines, she still invoked her right against self-incrimination.

She was asked how many piglets her farm had, but she refused to answer.

“What I’m asking you is a very simple question and it has nothing to do with the cases filed against you. These questions are about the legality of your livelihood. I’m not even tackling POGOs (Philippine offshore gaming operations),” Arrogancia said.

“What you have been saying is you have a legitimate business since birth. It’s a legitimate business that I’m asking from you. This will show if indeed you are a legit businesswoman,” Arrogancia said further.

But Guo vehemently refused to answer, claiming her answers might be used against her.

“I have