The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans to file 62 charges of money laundering against former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and 30 other individuals. Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano revealed this development during a press briefing on Wednesday, citing evidence from a business raid that uncovered illegal activities generating billions of pesos.
Billions in Illegal Proceeds
According to Clavano, the panel of prosecutors concluded that the wealth amassed from these illegal activities was the basis for the charges. The charges include:
- 26 counts under Section 4(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001.
- 5 counts under Section 4(b).
- 31 counts under Section 4(d), citing a conspiracy involving Guo and her family members.
Key Individuals Implicated
Apart from Alice Guo, the case implicates:
- Her family members: Jian Zhong Guo (her alleged father), Lin Wenyi (her alleged mother), and her siblings Shiela and Seimen Guo.
- Huang Zhiyang, described as the “boss of all bosses” of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
- Former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center official Dennis Cunanan.
- 25 other individuals, including business figures and associates.
Dismissed Complaints
The DOJ panel also reviewed other complaints but dismissed some due to insufficient evidence or lack of certainty for conviction. These include:
- Money laundering charges under Section 4(c) and Section 4(e) against Cassandra Li Ong and two others.
Clavano emphasized that reforms within the DOJ ensure only strong cases move forward, stating, “We will not file a case unless we are confident we will win in court.”
Additional Legal Troubles for Alice Guo
Alice Guo faces numerous other legal battles, including:
- A qualified trafficking case in Pasig.
- A graft case in Valenzuela.
- A material misrepresentation case in Tarlac.
- A tax evasion complaint and perjury charges with the DOJ.
- A quo warranto petition and a petition to cancel her birth certificate.
Court Proceedings
The money laundering case will be filed before a Manila regional trial court, with the DOJ expediting the process. Clavano added, “We can expect this to be filed as soon as possible.”
Alice Guo has denied all charges against her. The DOJ’s actions signal its commitment to prosecuting high-profile financial crimes, setting a precedent for accountability.
