Alice Guo

{{Short description|Mayor of Bamban from 2022 to 2024}} {{Philippine name|Leal|Guo}} {{Family name hatnote|郭 (Guō)|lang=Chinese}} {{Use Philippine English|date=August 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = | native_name = {{nobold|郭華萍}} | native_name_lang = zh | image = Alice Guo.png | image_size = 220px | alt = A bespectacled Guo wearing a white top and a pearl necklace. | caption = Official portrait, 2022 | office = Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac | status = ''De facto''{{efn|name=june2025|Guo's tenure was nullified on June 27, 2025, after she was ruled to be a Chinese citizen and hence ineligible to hold public office.}} | 1blankname = {{nowrap|Vice Mayor}} | 1namedata = Leonardo Anunciacion | predecessor = Jose Antonio Feliciano | successor = Erano Timbang (acting) | term_start = June 30, 2022 | term_end = August 13, 2024{{efn|Dismissed by the Ombudsman}} Suspended: June 3, 2024 – August 13, 2024 | birth_name = Guo Hua Ping | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|08|31}}{{Efn|name=birthdate}} | birth_place = Jinjiang, Fujian, China | party = Independent (until 2023; 2024–present)<ref>{{Cite news |title=NPC expels Bamban Mayor Alice Guo from party ahead of 2025 polls |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/23/npc-expels-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-from-party-1326 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626230401/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/23/npc-expels-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-from-party-1326 |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> | other_party = NPC (2023–2024)<ref name="npc">{{Cite news |last=Domingo |first=Katrina |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Will Alice Guo run under Marcos Jr. slate in 2025 elections? |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/18/will-alice-guo-run-under-marcos-jr-slate-in-2025-elections-053 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623201652/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/18/will-alice-guo-run-under-marcos-jr-slate-in-2025-elections-053 |archive-date=June 23, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> | occupation = {{Unbulleted list|Businesswoman|politician}} | citizenship = Chinese (publicly claimed to be Filipino until disputed in 2024; birth certificate voided in September 2025) | father = Guo Jian Zhong  | mother = Lin Wen Yi  | module = {{Infobox criminal |embed=yes | criminal_charge = | conviction_penalty = Life imprisonment; {{Philippine peso|2 million}} fine | conviction_status = Incarcerated | spouse =  | children =  | parents =  | relatives = | callsign = | awards = | website = | allegiance =  | motive = | conviction = Qualified human trafficking | apprehended = September 3, 2024 | imprisoned = Correctional Institution for Women, Mandaluyong (since December 2025) }} | module2 = {{Infobox Chinese|order=st | child = yes | s = 郭华萍 | t = 郭華萍 | p = Guō Huápíng | w = Kuo1 Hua2-p'ing2 | mi = {{IPAc-cmn|g|uo|1|-|h|ua|2|p|ing|2}} | bpmf = ㄍㄨㄛㄏㄨㄚˊ ㄆㄧㄥˊ | poj = Keh Hôa-phêng | tl = Keh Huâ-phîng }} }}

'''Alice Leal Guo''' ({{lang-zh|t=郭華萍{{efn|As written by ''World News'', a Binondo-based Chinese-language newspaper.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 15, 2024 |title=華文報賀郭華萍廣告惹關注 |trans-title=Chinese newspaper ad congratulating Guo Huaping attracts attention |url=https://www.shangbao.com.ph/fgyw/2024/05-15/158803.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516060150/https://www.shangbao.com.ph/fgyw/2024/05-15/158803.shtml |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Chinese Commercial News |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Malasig |first=Jeline |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Chinese language newspaper celebrating Alice Guo's mayoral victory earns buzz |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2024/05/14/275461/chinese-language-newspaper-alice-guo-mayoral-victory-buzz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152256/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2024/05/14/275461/chinese-language-newspaper-alice-guo-mayoral-victory-buzz/ |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Interaksyon}}</ref> The name is transliterated in pinyin as ''Guō Huápíng''. However, this information is independent of the allegations made in 2024 that Guo is the same person as a Chinese citizen named Guo Hua Ping.}}|p=Guō Huápíng|w=Kuo{{sup|1}} Hua{{sup|2}}-p'ing{{sup|2}}}}; IPA: {{IPAc-cmn|g|uo|1|-|h|ua|2|p|ing|2}}; born August 31, 1990{{Efn|name=birthdate|Guo's date of birth was disputed in 2024. {{see below|{{section link||Birth and ancestry}}}}}}) is a Chinese convicted criminal, businesswoman, and former politician in the Philippines who served as the ''de facto'' mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, from June 30, 2022, to August 13, 2024.

Guo was accused of being a Chinese spy<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Philippines: Alleged Chinese spy Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mnyrm8739o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904084201/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mnyrm8739o |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref name="self-confessed">{{cite news |last1=Oliquino |first1=Edjen |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Self-confessed Chinese asset names Alice Guo a Chinese spy |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/09/27/self-confessed-chinese-asset-names-alice-guo-a-chinese-spy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928142341/https://tribune.net.ph/2024/09/27/self-confessed-chinese-asset-names-alice-guo-a-chinese-spy |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}}</ref> and also faced investigations over her alleged involvement in illegal gambling and other criminal activities. In June 2024, she was suspended for up to six months as mayor by the Ombudsman after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed graft charges against her over alleged connections with Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in her municipality.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Panti |first=Llanesca T. |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Ombudsman suspends Bamban Mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908838/ombudsman-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625081219/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908838/ombudsman-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> She was dismissed by the Ombudsman on August 13, 2024. In a Senate committee inquiry following the raids in Bamban in 2023 and 2024, Guo was alleged by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Win Gatchalian to have links to illegal POGO activities. Her Filipino citizenship was also questioned and investigated due to inconsistencies in her documents and testimony.<ref name=manabat7/><ref name="Bajo">{{Cite news |last=Bajo |first=Anna Felicia |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Marcos says other politicians in Tarlac don't know Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907014/marcos-says-other-politicians-in-tarlac-don-t-know-alice-guo/story/?just_in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516114620/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907014/marcos-says-other-politicians-in-tarlac-don-t-know-alice-guo/story/?just_in |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref><ref name="osg" />

In July 2024, Guo's assets were frozen and an arrest order was issued for her.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Beltran |first=Sam |date=July 16, 2024 |title=Scandal deepens around Philippine fugitive mayor Alice Guo with freezing of assets |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3270636/scandal-deepens-around-philippine-fugitive-mayor-alice-guo-freezing-assets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716103839/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3270636/scandal-deepens-around-philippine-fugitive-mayor-alice-guo-freezing-assets |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=July 16, 2024 |work=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> In August 2024, it was reported that she had fled the Philippines on July 17 for Malaysia, and then traveled to Singapore,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mangaluz |first=Jean |title=Alice Guo fled the Philippines; traveled to Malaysia and Singapore — Risa Hontiveros |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/19/2379005/alice-guo-fled-philippines-traveled-malaysia-and-singapore-risa-hontiveros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819080903/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/19/2379005/alice-guo-fled-philippines-traveled-malaysia-and-singapore-risa-hontiveros |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> and finally to Indonesia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Locus |first=Sundy |title=BI confirms Alice Guo now in Indonesia |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917647/bi-confirms-alice-guo-now-in-indonesia/story/ |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> She was arrested in Indonesia on September 3, 2024, and deported back to the Philippines on September 5,<ref>{{cite news |date=September 4, 2024 |title='Chinese spy mayor' wanted by Philippines arrested |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mnyrm8739o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904084201/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mnyrm8739o |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=BBC News}} </ref><ref name="sept5back" /> where she was detained in police custody.<ref name="custody" /> {{As of|2025|3}}, she was on trial in six separate cases that could lead to decades in prison and had been barred from running for public office again. She pleaded not guilty to human trafficking charges.<ref name=han>{{cite news |last=Han |first=Tony |date=March 24, 2025 |title=Alice Guo: The Philippine mayor accused of trafficking and spying for China |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgn0794z1jo |work=BBC News}} </ref> In June 2025, Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 34 declared her term as mayor null and void ''ab initio'', rendering her tenure ''de facto'' and ruling that she was, in fact, a Chinese citizen.<ref name=buan/><ref name=Serquiña/><ref name="Gregorio"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Galvez |first1=Daphne |date=June 30, 2025 |title=Court rules Alice Guo is Chinese, voids mayorship |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/30/2454352/court-rules-alice-guo-chinese-voids-mayorship |access-date=July 1, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

Guo was convicted of human trafficking on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-21 |title=Ex-Philippine mayor convicted for human trafficking |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2025/11/21/2003847572 |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=Taipei Times}}</ref>

==Early life and background== ===Birth and ancestry=== Details of Guo's early life and educational background are disputed. Guo stated that she was born at her home, whose location she does not recall, or, according to her birth certificate, in barangay Matatalaib in the then-municipality of Tarlac,<ref name="coc">{{Cite tweet |number=1790365924622819396 |user=ABSCBNNews |title=LOOK: In her Certificate of Candidacy filed in 2021, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, declared she is a Filipino citizen. |author=Tulad, Victoria via ABS-CBN News |author-link=ABS-CBN News |date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/eCsB7 |archive-date=October 6, 2024}}</ref> Philippines, on August 31, 1990, originally thought to be July 12, 1986; her family's Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV) application documents placed her birthplace at Jinjiang, Fujian, China.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="whorappler" /><ref name="exist">{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=May 28, 2024 |title=Does Amelia Leal, Mayor Alice Guo's alleged Filipina mother, really exist? |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/does-amelia-leal-guo-exist-bamban-mayor-alice-mother/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613164007/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/does-amelia-leal-guo-exist-bamban-mayor-alice-mother/ |archive-date=June 13, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Robles |first=Allan |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Embattled Philippine mayor Alice Guo explains evasiveness over mysterious past: 'I'm not a spy, I'm a love child' |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3263480/embattled-philippine-mystery-mayor-alice-guo-explains-evasiveness-over-past-im-not-spy-im-love-child |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521072834/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3263480/embattled-philippine-mystery-mayor-alice-guo-explains-evasiveness-over-past-im-not-spy-im-love-child |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=South China Morning Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bordey |first=Hana |date=June 27, 2024 |title=NBI finds Alice Guo, Guo Hua Ping have same fingerprints |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911462/nbi-alice-guo-guo-hua-ping-same-fingerprints/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629050958/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911462/nbi-alice-guo-guo-hua-ping-same-fingerprints/story/ |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=June 29, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ghp">{{Cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charlie |date=June 18, 2024 |title=Gatchalian: Is 'Guo Hua Ping' the real Alice Guo? |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1952662/guo-hua-ping-real-alice-guo-gatchalian |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619025113/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1952662/guo-hua-ping-real-alice-guo-gatchalian |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |access-date=June 18, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net}}</ref>}} The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also revealed the existence of three individuals named Alice Leal Guo, all born on July 12, 1986. One of these individuals has a different physical appearance from her.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cabato |first=Luisa |date=July 3, 2024 |title=Third 'Alice Guo' applied for clearance in Quezon City – NBI |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241329/third-alice-guo-applied-for-clearance-in-quezon-city-nbi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703092034/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/241329/third-alice-guo-applied-for-clearance-in-quezon-city-nbi |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> Residents at the reported address of the second Alice Guo in Quezon City stated they were unaware of anyone named Alice Guo residing there.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tulad |first=Victoria |date=June 26, 2024 |title=NBI doc shows there are two Alice Leal Guo; mayor a no-show in hearing |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/26/nbi-doc-shows-there-are-two-alice-leal-guo-1652 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627234411/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/26/nbi-doc-shows-there-are-two-alice-leal-guo-1652 |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=June 26, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> The NBI later confirmed that the fingerprints of Mayor Alice Guo and Chinese national Guo Hua Ping matched, confirming that they are the same person.<ref name="nbi-confirms">{{Cite news |date=June 27, 2024 |title=NBI confirms fingerprints of Mayor Alice Guo, Guo Hua Ping match – Hontiveros |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/nbi-confirms-fingerprints-mayor-alice-guo-hua-ping-match/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706075344/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/nbi-confirms-fingerprints-mayor-alice-guo-hua-ping-match/ |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |access-date=June 27, 2024 |work=Rappler.com}}</ref>

Guo asserts her father's ethnicity as Chinese and states he was 70 years old as of 2024, but discrepancies about his citizenship are evident from various documents. His birth certificate identifies him as Filipino, named Angelito Guo, while his business records list him as a Chinese citizen named Jian Zhong Guo, born in 1958.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Supposed parents of Alice Guo may not even exist, Hontiveros says |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943445/supposed-parents-of-alice-guo-may-not-even-exist-hontiveros-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524185246/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943445/supposed-parents-of-alice-guo-may-not-even-exist-hontiveros-says |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref><ref name="acquaintances" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Locus |first=Sundy |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Alice Guo on identity question: I'm my father's love child |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907402/alice-guo-on-identity-question-i-m-my-father-s-love-child/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524133112/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907402/alice-guo-on-identity-question-i-m-my-father-s-love-child/story/ |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Guo's mother's identity is also in question; she is either a Filipino housemaid named Amelia Leal Guo, as per Guo's claim and birth certificate, or a Chinese businesswoman named Lin Wen Yi (born 1971), based on sources in Valenzuela and the Guo family's SIRV application documents.<ref name="ghp" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Alice Guo's mother could also be Chinese, says Gatchalian |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1946340/alice-guos-mother-could-also-be-chinese-says-gatchalian |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530024218/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1946340/alice-guos-mother-could-also-be-chinese-says-gatchalian |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net}}</ref><ref name="plot">{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=May 30, 2024 |title=The plot thickens: Is Lin Wen Yi the mother of Mayor Alice Guo? |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/is-li-wen-yi-mother-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602082316/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/is-li-wen-yi-mother-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/ |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> Guo claimed to be her father's illegitimate child with Amelia, resulting in her being raised by her father in seclusion on a pig farm in Tarlac City. However, discrepancies arose when the birth certificates of Guo, Chinese national Zhang Mier alias<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mangaluz |first1=Jean |date=August 23, 2024 |title=Shiela Guo, sister of ousted Bamban mayor, is a Chinese national — NBI |url=https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/23/2380032/shiela-guo-sister-ousted-bamban-mayor-chinese-national-nbi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823111417/https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/23/2380032/shiela-guo-sister-ousted-bamban-mayor-chinese-national-nbi |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |accessdate=August 23, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star}}</ref> Shiela Leal Guo (born 1984), and Seimen Leal Guo (born 1988 or 1990) revealed discrepancies in the ages of Angelito and Amelia Guo at their children's births, along with two differing marriage dates in Tarlac.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manabat |first=Joann |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Senators bare more irregularities in Alice Guo's citizenship |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/senators-bare-more-irregularities-alice-guo-citizenship/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630012517/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/senators-bare-more-irregularities-alice-guo-citizenship/ |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1793123126924255373 |user=ABSCBNNews |title=Documentary evidence presented at the Senate probe shows that Angelito Guo and Amelia Leal, the 'biological' parents of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, have two more children. All birth certificates indicate that Guo and Leal are married, but the dates of marriage differ across the documents. |author=ABS-CBN News |author-link=ABS-CBN News |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/JBxbV |archive-date=October 6, 2024}}</ref> Furthermore, the couple was found to have no existing birth and marriage records in the Philippine Statistics Authority.<ref name="exist" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ombay |first=Giselle |date=May 22, 2024 |title=PSA data shows Alice Guo's 'parents' have no birth records |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907637/alice-guo-s-parents-have-no-birth-records-psa-data/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705093927/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907637/alice-guo-s-parents-have-no-birth-records-psa-data/story/ |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> Jian Zhong Guo and Lin Wen Yi are co-incorporators in multiple businesses with Guo, claiming the same address in Quezon City according to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) records.<ref name="plot" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tulad |first=Victoria |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Who is Mayor Alice Guo's biological mom? |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/30/who-is-mayor-alice-guo-s-biological-mom-1723 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531172255/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/30/who-is-mayor-alice-guo-s-biological-mom-1723 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nazario |first=Dhel |date=May 30, 2024 |title=New documents show possible identity of Mayor Alice Guo's mother |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/30/new-documents-show-possible-identity-of-mayor-alice-guo-s-mother |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111910/https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/30/new-documents-show-possible-identity-of-mayor-alice-guo-s-mother |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=Manila Bulletin}}</ref> Guo had initially denied that Lin was her biological mother and insisted that Amelia exists,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=June 5, 2024 |title=Another plot twist? Alice Guo says Lin Wen Yi is her father's romantic partner |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-says-lin-wen-yi-father-romantic-partner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618150839/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-says-lin-wen-yi-father-romantic-partner/ |archive-date=June 18, 2024 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref name="salnmismatch" /> but later admitted that Jian Zhong Guo is her father. She categorically denied Lin Wen Yi to be her mother.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo insists she was born in Tarlac, refuses to confirm if she is Guo Hua Ping |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919781/alice-guo-guo-hua-ping-senate/story/ |accessdate=September 10, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref>

Guo initially denied knowing Shiela and Seimen Guo, but Bureau of Immigration (BI) records suggest they had traveled abroad together.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=May 22, 2024 |title=5 things that don't add up in Mayor Alice Guo's Senate testimony |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-that-did-not-add-up-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-senate-testimony/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628080746/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-that-did-not-add-up-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-senate-testimony/ |archive-date=June 28, 2024 |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> She later confirmed them as her paternal half-siblings, despite their birth certificates suggesting they are full siblings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=dela Peña |first=Kurt |date=May 29, 2024 |title=The gaping holes in Alice Guo's homeschooling yarn |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1946174/the-gaping-holes-in-alice-guos-homeschooling-yarn |access-date=May 31, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> However, both Guo and Shiela later separately denied being biological sisters,<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNh8Tl9nN8w |title=Alice Guo, inamin na hindi niya kapatid si Sheila Guo |date=September 6, 2024 |language=fil |publisher=News5 |trans-title=Alice Guo, admits Sheila Guo is not her sibling |access-date=September 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907005041/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNh8Tl9nN8w&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=Frontline Pilipinas}}</ref> with Shiela claiming that Jian Zhong Guo is her foster father.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Villaruel |first=Jauhn Etienne |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Shiela Guo admits Alice is not actually her 'sister' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/27/shiela-guo-admits-alice-is-not-actually-her-sister-1524 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827091213/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/27/shiela-guo-admits-alice-is-not-actually-her-sister-1524 |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=August 27, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref> It was later revealed that Guo has another full sibling named Wesley (born 1990, also known as Guo Xiang Dian according to the NBI)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tulad |first=Victoria |date=July 3, 2024 |title=NBI findings show Alice Guo's brother is Chinese -- Gatchalian |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/3/nbi-findings-show-alice-guo-s-brother-is-chinese-gatchalian-1815 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716083006/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/3/nbi-findings-show-alice-guo-s-brother-is-chinese-gatchalian-1815 |archive-date=July 16, 2024 |access-date=July 3, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> and reportedly five more siblings.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 4, 2024 |title=Ano ang status ng imbestigasyon kay Bamban Mayor Alice Guo? |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/opinion/content/908824/ano-ang-status-ng-imbestigasyon-kay-bamban-mayor-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611145631/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/opinion/content/908824/ano-ang-status-ng-imbestigasyon-kay-bamban-mayor-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cariaso |first=Bella |date=June 20, 2024 |title=Alice camp denies she's Guo Hua Ping |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/20/2364214/alice-camp-denies-shes-guo-hua-ping |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111914/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/20/2364214/alice-camp-denies-shes-guo-hua-ping |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=June 22, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

In July 2024, Solicitor-General Menardo Guevarra filed a petition to cancel the birth certificate for Guo issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), following doubts raised about her origins and citizenship.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |date=July 5, 2024 |title=Petition to cancel Alice Guo's birth certificate filed with Tarlac court |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912389/petition-cancel-alice-guo-birth-certificate-tarlac-court/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705093652/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912389/petition-cancel-alice-guo-birth-certificate-tarlac-court/story/ |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=July 5, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> On October 4, 2024, Guo's Philippine passport was cancelled by the Department of Foreign Affairs, citing fraudulent circumstances in its acquisition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 4, 2024 |title=DFA cancels PH passport of Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922606/alice-guo-ph-passport/story/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref>

On December 17, 2024, Guo, her parents, and her two siblings were sued by the NBI before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for falsification and violation of the Anti-Dummy Law on foreign land ownership. The NBI alleged that the Guos falsely claimed Filipino citizenship and residency to acquire four parcels of land in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayalin |first=Adrian |date=December 17, 2024 |title=Alice Guo, family face complaints for purchase of land in Pangasinan as Chinese citizens |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/17/alice-guo-family-face-complaints-for-purchase-of-land-as-chinese-citizens-1347 |accessdate=December 17, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> On September 24, 2025, Guo's birth certificate was cancelled by the Tarlac City Regional Trial Court Branch 111.<ref name="voided">{{cite news |last1=Cordero |first1=Ted |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Tarlac court voided Alice Guo's birth certificate —PSA |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/961197/tarlac-court-voided-alice-guo-s-birth-certificate-psa/story/ |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

===Education and childhood=== Some residents of Bamban, including those from barangay Virgen de los Remedios, said that Guo lived and grew up there,<ref name="acquaintances" /><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wycSTZiK38 |title=Mga residente sa Bamban, Tarlac, iginiit na totoong Pilipino si Mayor Alice Guo |date=May 14, 2024 |language=fil |publisher=News5Everywhere |trans-title=Residents of Bamban, Tarlac, insist Mayor Alice Guo is a real Filipino |access-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611203816/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wycSTZiK38 |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref> adding that she also has a sibling.<ref name="gmamay14">{{Cite news |date=May 14, 2024 |title='I am Alice Guo... a Filipino citizen' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/906778/i-am-alice-guo-a-filipino-citizen/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111930/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/906778/i-am-alice-guo-a-filipino-citizen/story/ |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> Guo has stated that her family raised pigs for a living and that she grew up on a farm.<ref name="philstarlife">{{Cite news |last=Uson |first=Melanie |date=May 10, 2024 |title=What we know about Alice Guo, the Bamban mayor who is allegedly linked to POGOs |url=https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/250341-who-is-bamban-mayor-alice-guo?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819172230/https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/250341-who-is-bamban-mayor-alice-guo?page=2 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> She also claimed to have spent her teenage life in Concepcion, Tarlac.<ref name="gmamay14" /> Furthermore, registration records of her companies showed that she had residency in Marilao, Bulacan, and Valenzuela, Metro Manila, citing her parents' embroidery business in the latter.<ref name="whorappler">{{Cite news |last1=Manabat |first1=Joann |last2=Go |first2=Miriam Grace |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Who is Alice Guo, Bamban mayor suspected of being a Chinese asset? |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-suspected-chinese-asset/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701074015/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-suspected-chinese-asset/ |archive-date=July 1, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> However, it was revealed that no such business existed, and her listed home address in Valenzuela belonged to a certain Bayle family, according to Senator Win Gatchalian.<ref name="exist" /><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6OKWAeayfI |title=Valenzuela Home and Business of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo |date=May 13, 2024 |language=fil |publisher=Win Gatchalian |access-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529055053/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6OKWAeayfI |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |url-status=live |website=YouTube}}</ref>

Guo stated during a testimony at a joint Philippine Senate Committee investigation that she was homeschooled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tarlac mayor's dubious identity puzzles, alarms senators; Bamban mayor denies links to POGO firm |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/7/tarlac-mayor-s-dubious-identity-puzzles-alarms-senators-bambam-mayor-denies-links-to-pogo-firm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522153927/https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/7/tarlac-mayor-s-dubious-identity-puzzles-alarms-senators-bambam-mayor-denies-links-to-pogo-firm |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> However, her birth was only registered on November 22, 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Tarlac mayor Alice Guo's nationality questioned |url=https://centralluzon.politiko.com.ph/2024/05/09/tarlac-mayor-alice-guos-nationality-questioned/daily-feed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511075742/https://centralluzon.politiko.com.ph/2024/05/09/tarlac-mayor-alice-guos-nationality-questioned/daily-feed/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Politiko Central Luzon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="convince" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |date=June 27, 2024 |title=Alice Guo's birth certificate faces cancellation, citizenship in limbo |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/27/2365982/alice-guos-birth-certificate-faces-cancellation-citizenship-limbo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629005707/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/27/2365982/alice-guos-birth-certificate-faces-cancellation-citizenship-limbo |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=June 29, 2004 |work=Philstar.com}}</ref> casting doubts on her early life due to the absence of hospital birth records, her inability to identify her homeschool provider, and traditional educational records, prompting inquiries into the nature of her education.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tulad |first=Victoria |date=May 8, 2024 |title=Hontiveros questions nationality of Bamban mayor linked to POGOs |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/8/hontiveros-questions-nationality-of-bamban-town-mayor-1812 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617105018/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/8/hontiveros-questions-nationality-of-bamban-town-mayor-1812 |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> It was later revealed that Guo attended Grace Christian High School (now Grace Christian College) from 2000 to 2003, covering Grades 1 to 3, according to her school enrollment forms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Gatchalian: Alice Guo not homeschooled; we attended same school |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242193/gatchalian-alice-guo-not-homeschooled-we-attended-same-school |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710124911/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242193/gatchalian-alice-guo-not-homeschooled-we-attended-same-school |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> According to one of her classmates, she was known by her Chinese name, attended special classes for Filipino subjects, took a higher grade level for her Chinese classes, and completed the Chinese curriculum despite struggling with English.<ref name="classmate" />

Her failure to recall details of her birth and early life during the Senate inquiry led to online ridicule, with Guo being dubbed ''My Amnesia Girl'' (a Philippine romantic comedy film from 2010) in a popular meme.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cator |first=Currie |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Filipinos Poke Fun at Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/bamban-mayor-alice-guo-memes-philippines-a7943-20240515 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525175040/https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/bamban-mayor-alice-guo-memes-philippines-a7943-20240515 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=Esquire PH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tulfo |first=Patrick |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Filipinos Poke Fun at Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. |url=https://saksingayon.com/opinyon/may-amnesia-girl-bansag-kay-mayor-alice-guo-ng-bamban-tarlac/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517003619/https://saksingayon.com/opinyon/may-amnesia-girl-bansag-kay-mayor-alice-guo-ng-bamban-tarlac/ |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=Saksi Ngayon}}</ref>

===Residency and citizenship=== According to Guo's Certificate of Candidacy for Mayor filed before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in 2021, she declared herself unmarried and claimed lifelong residency in the Philippines, residing at her registered address in Bamban for 18 years by that time.<ref name="coc" /> It was revealed that she registered as a voter of Bamban in April 2021, just 13 months before the 2022 general elections, while COMELEC spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that she had registered in 2018.<ref name="perez" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Boledo |first=Jairo |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Solicitor General launches probe into Bamban Mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/solicitor-general-guevarra-probe-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629141009/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/solicitor-general-guevarra-probe-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/ |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> She also claimed to have held a Philippine passport, the only one she possesses, since she was between 17 and 19 years old, around 2003 to 2005.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=Maricel |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Mayor Guo insists: I am a Filipino |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314449171/mayor-guo-insists-i-am-a-filipino.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531115543/https://manilastandard.net/news/314449171/mayor-guo-insists-i-am-a-filipino.html |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=Manila Standard}}</ref> Her family's SIRV application documents indicate that, as Guo Hua Ping, she also holds a Chinese passport and migrated to the Philippines on January 12, 2003, at the age of {{age|1990|8|31|2003|1|12}}.<ref name="ghp" /> On August 6, 2024, the COMELEC approved the filing of a criminal complaint on misrepresentation grounds against Guo after an investigation found that her fingerprints matched those of Guo Hua Ping.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Manabat |first=Johnson |date=August 6, 2024 |title=Comelec approves misrepresentation complaint against Guo |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/6/comelec-approves-misrepresentation-complaint-vs-guo-1346 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806065917/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/6/comelec-approves-misrepresentation-complaint-vs-guo-1346 |archive-date=August 6, 2024 |access-date=August 6, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> The complaint was formally presented before a court in Tarlac on October 28, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cheng |first=Willard |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Comelec files poll rap vs Guo before Tarlac court |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/10/29/comelec-files-poll-rap-vs-guo-before-tarlac-court-1343 |access-date=October 28, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

==Business career== Before venturing into politics, Guo has an extensive background as a businesswoman, serving as an incorporator and holding significant shares in at least 11 companies since 2010, according to Securities and Exchange Commission records.<ref name="whorappler" />

===Air taxi venture=== In the 2024 Senate inquiry, Guo admitted to owning a helicopter, which she acquired in 2019 and sold in 2024 to an undisclosed British firm. She said she meant to use the helicopter for an air taxi business but was compelled to sell the aircraft after the venture did not meet their expectations.<ref name=helicopter/>

===Car dealership=== Westcars Incorporated is one of the businesses affiliated with Guo. It is a car dealership registered on March 16, 2016.<ref name="vehicles-12" /> Senator Risa Hontiveros, in the 2024 Senate inquiry, has alleged that Guo owns 16 vehicles, which include sports utility vehicles, vans, and trucks , which Guo reasoned are associated with the Westcars venture.<ref name="owns-16" />

===Involvement in POGOs=== [[File:Raided gang-run internet ‘scam farm’ in Bamban, north of Manila, the Philippines (53832378270).jpg|thumb|Now closed Baofu Land Development compound, a POGO hub in Bamban.|alt=View of the inside of the POGO compound, with multiple parked vehicles]] thumb|Notice of closure in Baofu Land Development's compound in Bamban.|alt=Two glass doors with a "notice of closure" sign affixed to them

Starting in June 2024, Guo faced cases in the Senate, the DOJ, the Ombudsman, and the courts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Laqui |first=Ian |date=July 31, 2024 |title=Government vs Guo: List of legal hurdles, cases against the Bamban mayor |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/07/31/2370573/government-vs-guo-list-legal-hurdles-cases-against-bamban-mayor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819172238/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/07/31/2370573/government-vs-guo-list-legal-hurdles-cases-against-bamban-mayor |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star}}</ref> Senator Win Gatchalian revealed Guo's alleged links with the firm Zun Yuan Technology, Inc., an online casino firm that was registered in the Philippines as a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).<ref name="r32624">{{Cite news |last=Manabat |first=Joann |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Bamban mayor linked to raided POGO in Tarlac |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/bamban-mayor-guo-linked-raided-pogo-tarlac/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527065239/https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/bamban-mayor-guo-linked-raided-pogo-tarlac/ |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> Prior to her election in 2022,<ref name="pdi50824" /> Guo had applied for the license of Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc.;<ref name="r32624" /> and in late 2020, the Bamban municipal council approved its establishment and operation.<ref name="pdi20223" /> Hongsheng had its license to operate cancelled by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) by 2022.<ref name="pdi20223">{{Cite news |last=Malig |first=Jun |date=February 2, 2023 |title=CIDG raids Pogo firm in Tarlac; rounds up 850 foreign, Filipino employees |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1724643/cidg-raids-pogo-firm-in-tarlac-rounds-up-850-foreign-filipino-employees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509033359/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1724643/cidg-raids-pogo-firm-in-tarlac-rounds-up-850-foreign-filipino-employees |archive-date=May 9, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> In 2019, Baofu Land Development was incorporated by Guo, Zhang Ruijin, and Lin Baoying, with Rachel Joan Malonzo Carreon and a Cypriot national, Huang Zhiyang. Furthermore, Guo was reportedly spotted with a Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace worth {{Philippine peso|11.9 million}} ({{US$|203,000|link=yes}}), a Louis Vuitton silk shirt, and a Chanel bag.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sun |first=David |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Vast and tangled web: S'pore's largest case of money laundering |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2023/12/money-laundering-universe-who-is-who/index.html?shell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627074039/https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2023/12/money-laundering-universe-who-is-who/index.html?shell |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |publisher=The Straits Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Christine |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Philippine Senate probes mayor linked to couple in Singapore's $3b money laundering case |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/philippine-senate-probes-mayor-linked-to-couple-in-singapore-s-3b-money-laundering-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629110004/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/philippine-senate-probes-mayor-linked-to-couple-in-singapore-s-3b-money-laundering-case |archive-date=June 29, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |publisher=The Straits Times}}</ref>

The POGO hub is situated in the property which is owned by Baofu Land Development, Inc. and is located behind the municipal building in Barangay Anupul, Bamban,<ref name="pdi50824" /> was twice raided by the authorities: in February 2023, for alleged involvement in cryptocurrency investment scams;<ref>{{Cite news |last=de Guzman |first=Victor |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Bamban POGO raided by CIDG |url=https://tarlakenyo.com/2023/02/bamban-pogo-raided-by-cidg/ |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=Tarlakenyo}}</ref> and in March 2024, due to allegations of human trafficking and other cybercrimes;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tupas |first=Emmanuel |date=March 14, 2024 |title=875 held in Tarlac POGO hub raid |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/14/2340343/875-held-tarlac-pogo-hub-raid/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624044926/https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/03/14/2340343/875-held-tarlac-pogo-hub-raid |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> at that time, it had been renamed Zun Yuan.<ref name="r32624" />

thumb|Guo during the Senate hearing on her alleged POGO ties in September 2024|alt=A seated Guo wearing black and looking at something to the left. In May 2024, during a Senate inquiry, senators said that the POGO compound housed "mercenaries" allegedly involved in cybercrimes and surveillance activities, citing intelligence reports.<ref name="pdi50824">{{Cite news |last=Ramos |first=Marlon |date=May 8, 2024 |title=Senators probe Tarlac Pogo for 'spy ops'; mayor grilled |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235006/senators-probe-tarlac-pogo-for-spy-ops-mayor-grilled |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511013405/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/235006/senators-probe-tarlac-pogo-for-spy-ops-mayor-grilled |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref><ref name="manabat7">{{Cite web |last=Manabat |first=Joann |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Senators grill Bamban, Tarlac mayor with alleged POGO ties |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/senators-grill-bamban-tarlac-mayor-with-pogo-ties/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522143829/https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/senators-grill-bamban-tarlac-mayor-with-pogo-ties/ |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}</ref> Meanwhile, Guo countered allegations against her, stating that she was the former landowner of the property, and her vehicle, found within the compound, was sold in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Bamban mayor denies ties to raided Pogo firm in Tarlac |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1937909/bamban-mayor-denies-ties-to-raided-pogo-firm-in-tarlac |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519064109/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1937909/bamban-mayor-denies-ties-to-raided-pogo-firm-in-tarlac |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=Inquirer.net}}</ref> Guo stated that, being one of the incorporators of Baofu, she later sold her shares upon entering politics.<ref name="Inquirer-HontiverosWont" />

During the inquiry, Senator Risa Hontiveros suggested that Guo may be a Chinese "asset" trained to infiltrate the Philippine government and "have an influence in Philippine politics". In response to the allegations, Guo expressed dismay, saying that she had been "judged prematurely" via a trial by publicity.<ref name="Inquirer-HontiverosWont">{{Cite news |last=Ramos |first=Marlon |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Hontiveros won't let go of Bamban mayor over ties to Pogo |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1938663/risa-wont-let-go-of-bamban-mayor-over-ties-to-pogo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509005547/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1938663/risa-wont-let-go-of-bamban-mayor-over-ties-to-pogo |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref> Guo stressed that she was "not a coddler, not a protector of POGOs",<ref name="why-bbc-small-town">{{Cite news |last=Ginto |first=Joel |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Why is this small town mayor accused of being a Chinese spy? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8vzd429zmdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518121453/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8vzd429zmdo |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> adding in a subsequent interview by Karen Davila that she had been rattled by senators' questions about her private life and was opposed to POGOs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2024 |title=[EXCLUSIVE] Guo denies being a Chinese spy: 'I am a Filipino, I love my country' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/20/guo-denies-being-a-chinese-spy-i-am-a-filipino-i-love-my-country-1917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703083352/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/20/guo-denies-being-a-chinese-spy-i-am-a-filipino-i-love-my-country-1917 |archive-date=July 3, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

On May 16, 2024, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said he designated a "team of solicitors" to investigate if Guo is illegally "holding or exercising a public office" as prefatory to ''quo warranto'' under Rule 66, Revised Rules of Court.<ref name="osg">{{Cite news |last=Laqui |first=Ian |date=May 16, 2024 |title=OSG forms team to 'look' into Bamban Mayor Guo's case |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/16/2355611/osg-forms-team-look-bamban-mayor-guos-case |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705114823/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/16/2355611/osg-forms-team-look-bamban-mayor-guos-case |archive-date=July 5, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=The Philippine Star}}</ref> On May 23, Senate President Francis Escudero said that the burden of proof regarding Guo's citizenship lies upon the accusers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ismael |first=Javier |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Those who doubt Guo's citizenship should prove she is not Filipino — Escudero |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/23/news/those-who-doubt-guos-citizenship-should-prove-she-is-not-filipino-escudero/1948093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531070058/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/23/news/those-who-doubt-guos-citizenship-should-prove-she-is-not-filipino-escudero/1948093 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |publisher=The Manila Times}}</ref>

The Department of the Interior and Local Government , in its updated report submitted on May 17,<ref name="Cervantes">{{Cite news |last=Cervantes |first=Filane Mikee |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Photos with Guo prove nothing |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225050 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619141750/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225050 |archive-date=June 19, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency}}</ref> subsequently recommended that Guo be suspended by the Ombudsman following what it called "troubling findings" during its investigation over her alleged connections to POGOs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 2024 |title=DILG urges Ombudsman to suspend Bamban mayor |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/17/dilg-urges-ombudsman-to-suspend-bamban-mayor-2252 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref> Ombudsman Samuel Martires, however, told ''24 Oras'' that his office has received the DILG's unsigned task force's fact-finding report copy. In effect, the Ombudsman remanded Guo's case , hinting that the DILG ought to file a valid criminal complaint with attached legal documents for Guo's criminal investigation prior to preventive suspension.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oliquino |first=Edjen |date=May 19, 2024 |title=No DILG suspension plea on Guo — Martires |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/05/19/no-dilg-suspension-plea-on-guo-martires |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529022844/https://tribune.net.ph/2024/05/19/no-dilg-suspension-plea-on-guo-martires |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=Daily Tribune (Philippines)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 19, 2024 |title=Ombudsman suggests DILG file a complaint against Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907284/ombudsman-suggests-dilg-file-a-complaint-against-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601115552/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907284/ombudsman-suggests-dilg-file-a-complaint-against-guo/story/ |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> In response, Bamban vice mayor Leonardo Anunciacion said there was no basis for Guo to be suspended, while Moncada mayor Estelita Aquino, the president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Tarlac chapter, of which Guo is the treasurer, also defended Guo, saying that she is "helpful and easy to get along with" and that Bamban had progressed under her leadership.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Tarlac execs defend Bamban mayor |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943207/tarlac-execs-defend-bamban-mayor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627061135/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943207/tarlac-execs-defend-bamban-mayor |archive-date=June 27, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> The Nationalist People's Coalition also announced an investigation into Guo, with party member Win Gatchalian urging the NPC to expel her.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Panti |first=Llanescca |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Senator Gatchalian: NPC should expel Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908339/senator-gatchalian-npc-should-expel-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530062949/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908339/senator-gatchalian-npc-should-expel-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 29, 2024 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mateo |first=Janvic |date=May 30, 2024 |title=Mayor Guo wants mom to come out |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/30/2359006/mayor-guo-wants-mom-come-out |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530154929/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/30/2359006/mayor-guo-wants-mom-come-out |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> On June 1, the DILG announced that it had filed a criminal complaint to the Ombudsman dated May 24 charging Guo with graft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=June 1, 2024 |title=DILG files criminal complaint vs Bamban Mayor Alice Guo over illegal POGO |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dilg-files-criminal-complaint-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-illegal-pogo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625053844/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/dilg-files-criminal-complaint-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-illegal-pogo/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |publisher=Rappler}}</ref> On June 21, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission filed a criminal complaint with the DOJ charging Guo and 13 others with human trafficking involving the POGO in Bamban.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=June 21, 2024 |title=Alice Guo, 13 others face criminal complaint over 'ties' to illegal POGO |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-others-face-criminal-complaint-ties-illegal-pogo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706075423/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-others-face-criminal-complaint-ties-illegal-pogo/ |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |access-date=June 21, 2024 |publisher=Rappler}}</ref>

On May 21, 2024, Hontiveros, on her social media account, revealed that Guo's business associates, Lin Baoying and Zhang Ruijin, were involved in the largest money laundering case in Singapore , amounting to {{SGD|3.0 billion|link=on}}. Guo stated during the Senate hearing later that day that she only found out about her connections to the syndicate after reading Hontiveros' post.{{Efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="Channel News Asia">{{Cite news |last=Lam |first=Lydia |title=Couple with S$325 million in assets seized in billion-dollar money laundering case denied bail |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/china-couple-325-million-assets-seek-bail-zhang-ruijin-lin-baoying-billion-dollar-money-laundering-3855036 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523075714/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/china-couple-325-million-assets-seek-bail-zhang-ruijin-lin-baoying-billion-dollar-money-laundering-3855036 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=CNA |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Philstar 05210224">{{Cite news |title=Hontiveros flags Bamban Mayor Alice Guo's 'ties' to Singapore criminals |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/21/2356843/hontiveros-flags-bamban-mayor-alice-guos-ties-singapore-criminals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709112422/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/21/2356843/hontiveros-flags-bamban-mayor-alice-guos-ties-singapore-criminals |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Philstar.com}}</ref><ref name="Inquirer 05220224">{{Cite news |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Mayor Guo admits she's unaware of business partners' criminal records |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943490/mayor-guo-admits-shes-unaware-of-business-partners-criminal-records |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524074309/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943490/mayor-guo-admits-shes-unaware-of-business-partners-criminal-records |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Chua |first=Nadine |date=April 30, 2024 |title=$3b money laundering case: Fifth man gets 15 months' jail, surrenders $118m in assets to state |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/3b-money-laundering-case-fifth-man-jailed-15-months-surrendered-118m-in-assets-to-state |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709112418/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/3b-money-laundering-case-fifth-man-jailed-15-months-surrendered-118m-in-assets-to-state |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |publisher=The Straits Times}}</ref>}}

Some members of the House of Representatives also expressed intent to launch a parallel probe of Guo.<ref name="DailyTribune-HouseWants">{{Cite news |last=Oliquino |first=Edjen |date=May 18, 2024 |title=House wants parallel probe of Guo |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/05/17/house-wants-parallel-probe-of-guo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518212029/https://tribune.net.ph/2024/05/17/house-wants-parallel-probe-of-guo |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 18, 2024 |work=Daily Tribune |language=en}}</ref> It also recommended that Guo be temporarily stripped of authority over the Bamban municipal police force pending her suspension.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2024 |title=DILG recommends stripping Alice Guo of authority over Bamban police |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/5/20/dilg-recommends-stripping-alice-guo-of-authority-over-bamban-police-1337 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602223336/https://news.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/5/20/dilg-recommends-stripping-alice-guo-of-authority-over-bamban-police-1337 |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref> In response, Guo said that she would not resign and would instead seek reelection as mayor in local elections scheduled in 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 20, 2024 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Bamban mayor Guo says she won't resign, will seek reelection |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/5/20/bamban-mayor-guo-says-she-won-t-resign-will-seek-reelection-1943 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521194806/https://news.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/5/20/bamban-mayor-guo-says-she-won-t-resign-will-seek-reelection-1943 |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

President Bongbong Marcos also supported an investigation, adding that she had been under investigation by authorities for some time and that she was not known to most politicians in Tarlac.<ref name=marcos-investigate/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bajo |first=Anna Felicia |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Who is Alice Guo? No Tarlac politician knows her, says Marcos |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907014/marcos-says-other-politicians-in-tarlac-don-t-know-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518180719/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907014/marcos-says-other-politicians-in-tarlac-don-t-know-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref> In an apparent effort to refute Marcos' claims that "no one knows her", photos from Guo's Facebook and other social media profiles resurfaced showing both Guo and Marcos together. Photos from March 2022 showed both Guo and Marcos in red shirts and face masks during the 2022 election campaign,<ref name="Cervantes" /> as well as photos of Guo doing a high five with Leyte's 1st district representative Martin Romualdez. Another photo from February 2024 also showed Guo elbow-bumping with Marcos during the latter's inspection of the Airport–New Clark City Access Road (ANAR).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aurelio |first=Julie |date=May 18, 2024 |title=Guo makes her photos (with Marcos) do the talking |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941828/guo-makes-her-photos-with-marcos-do-the-talking |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518035501/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941828/guo-makes-her-photos-with-marcos-do-the-talking |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref>

On May 26, 2024, Chinese-Filipino activist and academic Teresita Ang See criticized the Senate investigation for focusing too heavily on Guo, claiming that the investigation has been diverted from its main subject of POGOs into an interrogation ofa Guo's lifestyle and ability to speak Chinese. Ang-See called for the investigation to "focus on the issues that aid legislation", denouncing the current investigation as a "ridiculous tear-jerker 'zarzuela{{'"}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Serguina |first=Mariel |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Ang See decries Senate focus on Guo; Hontiveros defends probe |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908134/ang-see-decries-senate-focus-on-guo-hontiveros-defends-probe/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529091326/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908134/ang-see-decries-senate-focus-on-guo-hontiveros-defends-probe/story/ |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pedrajas |first=Joseph |date=May 27, 2024 |title=Teresita Ang-See hits Senate probe vs Mayor Guo |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/26/civic-leader-hits-senate-s-probe-into-mayor-guo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527075133/https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/26/civic-leader-hits-senate-s-probe-into-mayor-guo |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |access-date=May 27, 2024 |publisher=Manila Bulletin}}</ref>

Guo did not attend the Senate hearings on June 25 and July 10, 2024, citing her physical and mental health.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bordey |first=Hana |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Senate panel subpoenas Alice Guo, family members |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911292/alice-guo-senate-subpoena/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709131050/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911292/alice-guo-senate-subpoena/story/ |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Consequently, she was subpoenaed by Senator Risa Hontiveros on June 25<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Hontiveros orders subpoena vs Alice Guo |url=https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/photo_release/2024/0626_03.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710124911/https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/photo_release/2024/0626_03.asp |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |website=Senate of the Philippines}}</ref> and cited for contempt by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, chaired by Hontiveros, on July 10.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=July 10, 2024 |title=Senate panel cites Alice Guo in contempt over absence at POGO probe |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/senate-cites-contempt-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-july-10-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710102355/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/senate-cites-contempt-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-july-10-2024/ |archive-date=July 10, 2024 |access-date=July 10, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> On July 11, Guo's assets were ordered frozen by the Court of Appeals, following a request from the Anti-Money Laundering Council.<ref name="freeze">{{Cite news |date=July 11, 2024 |title=CA freezes assets of Alice Guo, others in illegal POGOs |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/11/ca-freezes-assets-of-alice-guo-others-in-illegal-pogos-2051 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711133032/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/11/ca-freezes-assets-of-alice-guo-others-in-illegal-pogos-2051 |archive-date=July 11, 2024 |access-date=July 11, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> On July 12, the Senate released an arrest order for Guo and her alleged relatives over the contempt charges.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Senate issues arrest orders for Alice Guo, others for contempt |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/13/senate-orders-alice-guo-s-arrest-for-contempt-852 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713012114/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/13/senate-orders-alice-guo-s-arrest-for-contempt-852 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> However, subsequent searches at her possible locations failed to locate her.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2024 |title=Info shows Alice Guo still in the Philippines —DOJ |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/915520/info-alice-guo-still-in-philippines-doj/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801064141/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/915520/info-alice-guo-still-in-philippines-doj/story/ |archive-date=August 1, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref>

On August 14, a complaint was filed against Guo by the Bureau of Internal Revenue for tax evasion amounting to {{Philippine peso|500,000}} relating to her transactions in Baofu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 14, 2024 |title=Tax evasion complaint filed against Guo |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/14/guo-faces-tax-evasion-complaint-924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814020507/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/14/guo-faces-tax-evasion-complaint-924 |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> On August 30, Guo and 22 others were charged with money laundering by authorities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Money laundering suit filed vs Alice Guo, Cassandra Ong, 22 others |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/money-laundering-complaint-alice-guo-cassandra-ong-august-30-2024/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> On September 5, an arrest warrant was issued by a court in Capas, Tarlac, against Guo on charges of graft and corruption.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Tarlac court issues arrest warrant vs Guo over graft charges |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/05/2383123/tarlac-court-issues-arrest-warrant-vs-guo-over-graft-charges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907090034/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/05/2383123/tarlac-court-issues-arrest-warrant-vs-guo-over-graft-charges |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

After being repatriated from Indonesia, where she had been hiding, Guo reappeared in the Senate hearing on September 9, 2024, but was cited in contempt for a second time by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality for perjury and giving evasive answers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bordey |first=Hana |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo cited in contempt for 2nd time by Senate panel |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919782/alice-guo-contempt-senate/story/ |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ager |first=Maila |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo cited for contempt anew at Senate hearing |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248450/alice-guo-cited-for-contempt-anew-at-senate-hearing#ixzz8lQkcQIft |access-date=September 10, 2024 |work=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> In the hearing, it was revealed that Guo was found to have paid Baofu's electric bills totaling {{Philippine peso|51.718 million}} when she was mayor from 2022 to 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo paid Bamban POGO's electric bills even when she was mayor |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919844/alice-guo-paid-bamban-pogo-s-electric-bills-even-when-she-was-mayor/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022839/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919844/alice-guo-paid-bamban-pogo-s-electric-bills-even-when-she-was-mayor/story/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> On September 17, the DOJ filed qualified human trafficking charges against Guo and others before the Pasig Regional Trial Court.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Human trafficking raps filed vs. Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/920840/alice-guo-human-trafficking-doj/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923113511/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/920840/alice-guo-human-trafficking-doj/story/ |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref>

On September 19, 2024, Guo appeared in a hearing of the House of Representatives Quad Committee, a merger of the congressional committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts, as part of its investigation into extrajudicial killings, illegal drugs, and POGOs. She was again cited in contempt for giving evasive answers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 19, 2024 |title=House QuadCom cites Alice Guo in contempt |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/921043/house-quadcom-cites-alice-guo-in-contempt/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919155155/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/921043/house-quadcom-cites-alice-guo-in-contempt/story/ |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref>

On October 3, 2024, the NBI charged Guo with falsification of documents, perjury, and obstruction of justice over her fraudulent signing of legal documents while she was in hiding.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 3, 2024 |title=NBI files falsification, perjury raps vs Alice Guo, notary public |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922475/nbi-complaints-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022730/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922475/nbi-complaints-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref>

On December 12, 2024, the House of Representatives lifted its contempt citation against Guo, citing her custody in separate court cases.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 13, 2024 |title=House panel lifts contempt orders on Cassandra Ong, Alice Guo, Tony Yang |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/12/house-panel-lifts-contempt-orders-on-alice-guo-cassandra-ong-tony-yang-0106 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

On January 15, 2025, Guo and her co-accused were charged with 62 counts of money laundering by the DOJ.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pulta |first=Benjamin |date=January 15, 2025 |title=DOJ approves filing of money laundering raps vs. Alice Guo, 31 others |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1241852 |access-date=February 5, 2025 |work=Philippine News Agency |language=en}}</ref> On May 23, they were charged with another 62 counts of money laundering by the DOJ.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Panti |first=Llanesca |date=May 23, 2025 |title=DOJ files 62 counts of money laundering vs. Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/947128/doj-money-laundering-62-counts-alice-guo/story/ |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=GMA News |language=en}}</ref> The NBI filed 70 charges against Guo and her relatives on October 2 for falsification of public documents and simulation of minimum capital stock.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laqui |first1=Ian |date=October 2, 2025 |title=Alice Guo, kin slapped with 70 falsification, anti-dummy, other complaints |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/10/02/2476996/nbi-files-70-criminal-complaints-against-alice-guo-family |access-date=October 3, 2025 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

On November 20, 2025, Guo was convicted of qualified human trafficking, with the sentence being life imprisonment and a fine of {{Philippine peso|2 million}} ($33,832).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laqui |first1=Ian |title=Alice Guo sentenced to life for qualified human trafficking by Pasig court |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/11/20/2488656/alice-guo-sentenced-life-qualified-human-trafficking-pasig-court |access-date=20 November 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=20 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Fan |last2=Head |first2=Jonathan |title=Alice Guo: Philippines jails 'Chinese spy mayor' for life |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2l20jzp30o |access-date=20 November 2025 |work=BBC News |date=20 November 2025}}</ref> It was a landmark ruling under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, proving that people who are indirectly involved in human trafficking by providing support can be convicted.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laqui |first1=Ian |title=Landmark ruling: Alice Guo's conviction first under 'organizing trafficking' |url=https://qa.philstar.com/headlines/2025/11/20/2488699/landmark-ruling-alice-guos-conviction-first-under-organizing-trafficking |access-date=20 November 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=20 November 2025}}</ref> Guo was moved to the Correctional Institution for Women.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Buan |first1=Lian |title=Alice Guo guilty of human trafficking |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-guilty-human-trafficking/ |access-date=20 November 2025 |work=Rappler |date=20 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dumalag |first1=Gabryelle |title=Alice Guo not receiving special privileges at women's prison, BuCor says |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/302174/alice-guo-not-receiving-special-privileges-at-womens-prison-bucor-says |access-date=15 December 2025 |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=11 December 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Political career== [[File:Bamban SGLG incentive Rescue vehicles.jpg|thumb|Alice Guo (center) takes part in the awarding ceremony by the Department of the Interior and Local Government in May 2023. The DILG gave rescue vehicles for Bamban due to the town receiving a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award in 2022.|alt=A group of people with Guo at the center]] In October 2021, Guo filed her certificate of candidacy to run for municipal mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, as an independent candidate. She tapped former mayor Leonardo Anunciacion as her running mate for vice mayor. During the campaign period for the 2022 elections, she expressed support for the candidacies of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte for president and vice president, respectively.<ref name="marcos-investigate">{{Cite news |last=Relativo |first=James |date=May 17, 2024 |title=Marcos nais imbestigahan Alice Guo whom he 'does not know' |trans-title=Marcos wants to investiage 'hindi kilalang' Alice Guo |url=https://qa.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2024/05/17/2355849/marcos-nais-imbestigahan-hindi-kilalang-alice-guo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111913/https://qa.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2024/05/17/2355849/marcos-nais-imbestigahan-hindi-kilalang-alice-guo |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=Pilipino Star Ngayon |publisher=Philippine Star |language=fil}}</ref> Her campaign expenses, according to her Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), exceeded {{Philippine peso|134,000}}.<ref name="perez">{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Arra |date=May 14, 2024 |title=Tarlac mayor Alice Guo's COC: 'I am a Filipino citizen' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/14/tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-s-coc-i-am-a-filipino-citizen-2034 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621191432/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/14/tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-s-coc-i-am-a-filipino-citizen-2034 |archive-date=June 21, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> In 2024, she stated that she had received support from her friends and from the "previous administration" during the campaign.<ref name="philstarlife" /> She also prominently used the color pink for her campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ratcliffe |first1=Rebecca |last2=Ramos |first2=Guill |date=August 4, 2024 |title=Cognac, tortoises and a pink-striped helicopter: inside the mystery of Alice Guo, the missing Philippines mayor |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/04/inside-mystery-alice-guo-missing-philippines-mayor |access-date=August 4, 2024 |work=The Observer}}</ref> Guo was also supported by the outgoing mayor, Jose Antonio Feliciano, who encouraged her to run despite maintaining only a "civil" relationship after he had a falling out with his previous preferred successor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 11, 2024 |title=Ex-Bamban mayor who endorsed Guo speaks up: 'Hindi kami masyadong close' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/11/ex-bamban-mayor-who-endorsed-guo-speaks-up-hindi-kami-masyadong-close-1500 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911131344/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/11/ex-bamban-mayor-who-endorsed-guo-speaks-up-hindi-kami-masyadong-close-1500 |archive-date=September 11, 2024 |access-date=September 13, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

In May 2022, Guo won the mayoralty race, garnering 16,503 votes against her closest rival, Anupul barangay captain Joey Salting,<ref name="perez" /> who received 16,035 votes in the seven-way contest.<ref name="phvote">{{Cite web |title=2022 ELECTION RESULTS: Bamban, Tarlac |url=https://ph.rappler.com/elections/2022/tarlac/bamban |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521200316/https://ph.rappwler.com/elections/2022/tarlac/bamban |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=May 11, 2024 |website=PHVOTE |language=en}}</ref> She became the first female municipal mayor of Bamban.<ref name="whorappler" /> Assuming office on June 30, 2022, she initiated projects including the Barangayan, offering complimentary medical, dental, and documentation services and rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats.<ref name="acquaintances">{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Arra |date=May 16, 2024 |title=For acquaintances, Mayor Alice Guo a 'good person', 'long-time resident' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/15/for-acquaintances-mayor-alice-guo-a-good-person-long-time-resident-2131 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518025731/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/15/for-acquaintances-mayor-alice-guo-a-good-person-long-time-resident-2131 |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> In the third quarter of 2023, following Bamban's receipt of a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Guo joined the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).<ref name="npc" />

On June 3, 2024, Guo, along with Bamban municipal business permit and licensing officer Edwin Ocampo and municipal legal officer Adenn Sigua,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Panti |first=LLanesca |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Ombudsman suspends Bamban Mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908838/ombudsman-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625081219/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/908838/ombudsman-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=June 25, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> was ordered suspended on a preventive basis for six months by the Ombudsman as part of an investigation into her alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The order gave due course to the DILG's May 24 complaint.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lalu |first=Gabriel |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Alice Guo ordered suspended as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1947610/alice-guo-ordered-suspended-as-mayor-of-bamban-tarlac |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624013002/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1947610/alice-guo-ordered-suspended-as-mayor-of-bamban-tarlac |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref>

Guo was removed from the NPC on June 22, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Argosino |first=Faith |date=June 23, 2024 |title=Bamban Mayor Alice Guo removed from NPC as member |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1954142/npc-on-removing-alice-guo?utm_source=izooto&utm_medium=on_site_interactions&utm_campaign=Exit_Intent_Recommendations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111911/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1954142/npc-on-removing-alice-guo |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref> In July 2024, Solicitor-General Menardo Guevarra filed a quo warranto petition with the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 to nullify Guo's election as mayor.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pulta |first=Benjamin |date=July 29, 2024 |title=SolGen asks court to oust Alice Guo from mayoralty post |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229958 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729091029/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229958 |archive-date=July 29, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency}}</ref> On August 13, 2024, Guo was removed as mayor by the Ombudsman for grave misconduct regarding her involvement in POGOs. Her retirement benefits were forfeited, and she was perpetually barred from seeking public office.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 13, 2024 |title=Ombudsman orders dismissal of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/13/ombudsman-orders-dismissal-of-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-1535 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813075336/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/13/ombudsman-orders-dismissal-of-bamban-mayor-alice-guo-1535 |archive-date=August 13, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref> As her vice mayor, Leonardo Anunciacion, and seven members of the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) were also suspended for three months on the same charges, Guo was succeeded by Erano Timbang, a councilor who topped the 2022 race and was the only councilor who voted against the establishment of the POGO in Bamban.<ref name="phvote" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 14, 2024 |title=DILG: Municipal councilor to serve as acting Bamban mayor |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917036/municipal-councilor-to-serve-as-bamban-mayor/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814052831/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917036/municipal-councilor-to-serve-as-bamban-mayor/story/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 14, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref>

Amidst the Ombudsman's decision and ongoing investigations, Guo initially said she would be seeking reelection as mayor of Bamban in the 2025 Philippine general election.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sarao |first=Zacarian |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Alice Guo to run for mayor in 2025 polls – legal counsel |url=https://www.inquirer.net/415444/alice-guo-to-run-for-mayor-of-bamban-in-2025-polls-legal-counsel/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> But on October 8, 2024, she said she would not push through with her reelection to focus on her legal cases.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abanto |first=Rowegie |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Alice Guo says will no longer seek reelection as Bamban mayor |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/regions/2024/10/8/alice-guo-says-will-no-longer-seek-reelection-as-bamban-mayor-1501 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

On June 27, 2025, the Manila RTC Branch 34 affirmed the quo warranto filed against Guo, concluding she is "undoubtedly Chinese" who was born to Chinese parents and noted that a signature expert certified that Guo's fingerprint matches the supposedly separate individual known as Guo Hua Ping. Guo herself did not present any witnesses for her trial and only presented her Philippine birth certificate and passport as evidence. The court also voided her tenure as mayor from 2022 to 2024 since she was ineligible to hold public office.<ref name="buan">{{cite news |last1=Buan |first1=Lian |date=June 29, 2025 |title=Court rules Alice Guo 'undoubtedly Chinese,' erases mayorship |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/court-rules-alice-guo-undoubtedly-chinese-erases-mayorship/ |access-date=June 29, 2025 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref name="Serquiña">{{cite news |last1=Serquiña |first1=Mariel Celine |date=June 29, 2025 |title='Undoubtedly Chinese': Manila court voids Alice Guo's mayorship |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/950920/undoubtedly-chinese-manila-court-voids-alice-guo-s-mayorship/story/ |access-date=June 29, 2025 |work=GMA News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Gregorio">{{cite news |last1=Gregorio |first1=Agatha |date=June 29, 2025 |title=Court: Alice Guo is Chinese, term as Bamban mayor is void |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/29/court-alice-guo-is-chinese-term-as-bamban-mayor-is-void-1114 |access-date=June 29, 2025 |work=ABS CBN News}}</ref> Her birth certificate was later voided on September 24, 2025.<ref name="voided"/>

==Alleged espionage for China== {{Further|Chinese intelligence activity abroad}}{{external media | float = right | caption = Two YouTube videos  | headerimage= alt=YouTube logo|x20px|left | video1 = {{cite AV media |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8Y-2HmvHI |title=She Zhijiang: Discarded Chinese spy or criminal mastermind? |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera English |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930154126/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8Y-2HmvHI |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=101 East}} | video2 = {{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfDZgI9twTU |title=She Zhijiang's ex-cellmate Wang Fugui on Alice Guo: She's a spy but "not a special one" |date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008045851/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfDZgI9twTU |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |url-status=live |via=Rappler on YouTube |people=Wang Fugui (interviewee)}} }} Guo's dubious family background and citizenship issues led her to be tagged as a Chinese spy as early as May 2024 when Senator Risa Hontiveros had asked her if she was a Chinese "asset" trained to infiltrate and influence the Philippine government.<ref name="Inquirer-HontiverosWont"/><ref name=why-bbc-small-town/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Reyes |first1=Ronald |date=June 7, 2024 |title='Chinese spy' tagged Philippine mayor appeals suspension |url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/chinese-spy-tagged-philippine-mayor-appeals-suspension/105336 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240617191003/https://www.ucanews.com/news/chinese-spy-tagged-philippine-mayor-appeals-suspension/105336 |archive-date=June 17, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=UCA News}}</ref>

She Zhijiang, a Chinese businessman, convicted criminal, and self-confessed spy currently imprisoned in Thailand, accused Guo of being a Chinese spy in an interview with the Al Jazeera English documentary program ''101 East''.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8Y-2HmvHI |title=She Zhijiang: Discarded Chinese spy or criminal mastermind? |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930154126/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls8Y-2HmvHI |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=101 East}}</ref> An associate of hers showed a dossier on a Guo Hua Ping that he claimed was about Alice Guo. The dossier claimed she was the daughter of Lin Wen Yi and listed her home address as being in Fujian. A visit by an Al Jazeera researcher to the stated address found it to be the local headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party, and a number of local residents interviewed said that they recognized Guo as the daughter of Lin Wen Yi, and that she lived in the area until 2002. She appealed to Guo to confess for her own safety.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mateo |first1=Janvic |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Detained Chinese 'spy' tags Alice Guo as asset |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/28/2388516/detained-chinese-spy-tags-alice-guo-asset |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

In response to the documentary being shown at a House of Representatives inquiry on September 27, Guo denied being a spy and of ever knowing her, and threatened to file a lawsuit against him as well as against Al Jazeera.<ref name=self-confessed/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Buan |first1=Lian |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Alice Guo riled up by report tagging her as Chinese spy: 'It's so unfair!' |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-riled-up-report-tagging-her-chinese-spy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022839/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-riled-up-report-tagging-her-chinese-spy/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Robles |first1=Raissa |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Alarm in Philippines as new evidence links Alice Guo to Chinese espionage |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3280613/new-evidence-links-alice-guo-chinese-espionage-philippines-raising-alarms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022832/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3280613/new-evidence-links-alice-guo-chinese-espionage-philippines-raising-alarms |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=October 3, 2024 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

Hontiveros, on October 8, said that Wang Fugui, a former cellmate of hers, through a teleconference interview backed the allegation. Wang said Guo is indeed a spy, but not a "special" spy, and that it just happened that she has a copy of Guo's supposed state security background.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Alice Guo confirmed as spy by She Zhijang's ex-cellmate |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/251640/alice-guo-confirmed-as-spy-by-she-zhijangs-ex-cellmate |access-date=October 8, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref> Wang also claimed that Guo's 2022 mayoral campaign was "arranged by Chinese state security".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bordey |first1=Hana |date=October 8, 2024 |title='Alice Guo's 2022 campaign was arranged by Chinese state security' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922950/alice-guo-s-2022-campaign-was-arranged-by-chinese-state-security/story/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref>

On November 26, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) stated that there is consensus in the intelligence community that Guo is an "agent of influence".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |date=November 26, 2024 |title=Is Alice Guo really a spy? NICA labels her an 'agent of influence' |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/256622/is-alice-guo-really-a-spy-nica-labels-her-an-agent-of-influence |access-date=November 26, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref>

==Escape and subsequent capture== [[File:Alice Guo in Indonesia.jpg|thumb|Guo, after being captured by the Directorate General of Immigration and the Indonesian National Police in Tangerang , and confirming her identity|alt=Guo, dressed in white, looks and smiles at the camera while partly removing her face mask.]] thumb|Mug shot of Guo, following her arrest by the Philippine National Police|alt=A mug shot of Guo On August 19, 2024, Senator Risa Hontiveros released documents appearing to show that Guo had fled the Philippines for Malaysia on July 18 before going to Singapore and taking a ferry to Riau Islands, Indonesia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 19, 2024 |title=Guo has left Philippines, says Hontiveros |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/19/guo-has-left-philippines-says-hontiveros-1534 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission later said that Guo arrived in Indonesia on August 18.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2024 |title=PAOCC: Alice Guo arrived in Indonesia on Aug. 18, 2024 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917605/paocc-alice-guo-arrived-in-indonesia-on-aug-18-2024/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022732/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917605/paocc-alice-guo-arrived-in-indonesia-on-aug-18-2024/story/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> This was despite the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order issued by the DOJ on June 25, 2024, against Guo and 17 others.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Immigration lookout bulletin issued vs. Guo, 17 others — DOJ |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911141/immigration-lookout-bulletin-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820130455/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/911141/immigration-lookout-bulletin-guo/story/ |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> In contrast, lawyer Elmer Galicia, who notarized Guo's counter-affidavit for human trafficking charges, said that he had personally spotted Guo in the Philippines on August 14, while her lawyer Stephen David claimed that she was in the country at that time based on their conversation the day before.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Notary insists he saw Alice Guo on Aug. 14 amid reported escape |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/20/notary-insists-he-saw-alice-guo-on-aug-14-amid-reported-escape-1335 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820073053/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/20/notary-insists-he-saw-alice-guo-on-aug-14-amid-reported-escape-1335 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> However, Galicia later admitted that Guo did not personally swear the document before him, and a signature mismatch was later revealed by the NBI nearly a month later.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casilao |first=Joahna Lei |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Lawyer admits Alice Guo did not personally swear her counter-affidavit |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/918392/lawyer-admits-alice-guo-did-not-personally-swear-her-counter-affidavit/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022733/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/918392/lawyer-admits-alice-guo-did-not-personally-swear-her-counter-affidavit/story/#goog_rewarded |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |accessdate=August 27, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bolledo |first=Jairo |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Alice Guo's signature did not match what was in notarized affidavit – NBI |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-signature-not-match-affidavit-notarized-lawyer/ |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> Conflicting reports emerged as to how Guo fled the Philippines, with officials saying that she escaped by air<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2024 |title=BI: Alice Guo flew to Malaysia, Singapore |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/20/2379164/bi-alice-guo-flew-malaysia-singapore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827100402/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/20/2379164/bi-alice-guo-flew-malaysia-singapore |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=Philippine Star}}</ref> and Alice and Shiela Guo saying that they fled by boats.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Shiela Guo confirms leaving PH with Alice, Wesley via boats |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/918321/sheila-guo-confirms-leaving-ph-with-alice-wesley-via-boats/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827091855/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/918321/sheila-guo-confirms-leaving-ph-with-alice-wesley-via-boats/story/ |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |access-date=August 27, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Guo says someone 'initiated' her escape, expresses 'regret' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/9/guo-says-someone-initiated-her-escape-expresses-regret-1530 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022841/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/9/guo-says-someone-initiated-her-escape-expresses-regret-1530 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

On August 20, the Philippine government ordered the cancellation of the passports of Guo and her relatives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 2024 |title=Bersamin orders cancellation of Alice Guo's PH passport |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917680/bersamin-alice-guo-passport/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820092402/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/917680/bersamin-alice-guo-passport/story/ |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> On August 21, Shiela Guo and Cassandra Ong were detained in Batam, Indonesia,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Villaruel |first=Jauhn Etienne |date=August 21, 2024 |title=How Indonesian authorities busted Alice Guo's sister, alleged cohort |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/22/how-indonesian-authorities-busted-alice-guo-s-sister-alleged-cohort-1506 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822081007/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/8/22/how-indonesian-authorities-busted-alice-guo-s-sister-alleged-cohort-1506 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN}}</ref> and repatriated to the Philippines the next day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendoza |first=John Eric |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Shiela Guo, Cassandra Ong back in PH after arrest in Indonesia |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/246201/sheila-guo-cassandra-ong-back-in-ph-after-arrest-in-indonesia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004022733/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/246201/sheila-guo-cassandra-ong-back-in-ph-after-arrest-in-indonesia |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> By August 26, Guo was reportedly in Jakarta, according to the Bureau of Immigration.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=August 27, 2024 |title=Alice Guo now in Jakarta, Indonesia – BI |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/246789/alice-guo-is-now-in-jakarta-indonesia-bi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827111741/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/246789/alice-guo-is-now-in-jakarta-indonesia-bi |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |accessdate=August 27, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> On September 3, Guo was arrested by the Directorate General of Immigration and the Indonesian National Police in Tangerang.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Laqui, Ian |title=Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia — DOJ, PAOCC |url=https://philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/04/2382801/alice-guo-arrested-indonesia-doj-paocc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904013637/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/04/2382801/alice-guo-arrested-indonesia-doj-paocc |archive-date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024 |work=Philstar}}</ref> On September 5, she was turned over by Indonesian authorities to Philippine authorities led by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and was deported back to the Philippines.<ref name="sept5back">{{cite news |last1=Baroña |first1=Franco Jose C. |last2=Ismael |first2=Javier Joe |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Alice Guo turned over to PH authorities, will return home |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/09/05/news/alice-guo-turned-over-to-ph-authorities-will-return-home/1969306 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905121833/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/09/05/news/alice-guo-turned-over-to-ph-authorities-will-return-home/1969306 |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |accessdate=September 5, 2024 |work=The Manila Times}}</ref> According to Abalos, Guo cited threats to her security as her reason to go abroad.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Villaruel |first1=Jauhn Etienne |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Alice Guo tells PH authorities why she fled |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/5/alice-guo-tells-ph-authorities-why-she-fled-1835 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905124826/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/5/alice-guo-tells-ph-authorities-why-she-fled-1835 |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> She arrived in Metro Manila through a private jet in the early hours of September 6 and was detained overnight at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.<ref>{{cite news |last=Santos |first=Jamil |date=September 7, 2024 |title=Topacio: Abalos' borrowing of plane to fetch Alice Guo possibly violates anti-graft law |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919664/topacio-abalos-borrowing-of-plane-to-fh-guo-possibly-violates-anti-graft-law/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908014707/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919664/topacio-abalos-borrowing-of-plane-to-fh-guo-possibly-violates-anti-graft-law/story/ |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |accessdate=September 8, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Abanto |first=Rowegie |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Alice Guo back in PH after arrest in Indonesia |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/5/alice-guo-back-in-ph-after-indonesia-arrest-1513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905213823/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/5/alice-guo-back-in-ph-after-indonesia-arrest-1513 |archive-date=September 5, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> Later that day, she was transferred to Capas, Tarlac, as part of an arrest warrant for graft charges.<ref name="custody">{{cite news |last1=Capulong |first1=Raya |last2=Manabat |first2=Johnson |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Alice Guo back in Crame after facing Tarlac court |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/6/alice-guo-returns-to-tarlac-to-face-court-1151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906050514/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/6/alice-guo-returns-to-tarlac-to-face-court-1151 |archive-date=September 6, 2024 |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> Guo initially opted not to post bail for the case until September 20.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boledo |first=Jairo |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Alice Guo doesn't post bail for graft charges, stays with PNP |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-not-post-bail-graft-charges-tarlac-september-6-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907012512/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-not-post-bail-graft-charges-tarlac-september-6-2024/ |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |accessdate=September 7, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Alice Guo posts bail for graft charges, but will remain detained |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/921151/alice-guo-posts-bail-in-graft-case-but-will-remain-detained/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920114721/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/921151/alice-guo-posts-bail-in-graft-case-but-will-remain-detained/story/ |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Thus, she would remain in Camp Crame under PNP custody, pending a final decision regarding the overlapping cases against her in the Senate and in Capas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bordey |first1=Hana |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo to remain in PNP custody until Tarlac court issues resolved - Risa |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919835/alice-guo-to-remain-in-pnp-custody-until-issues-with-charges-filed-at-tarlac-court-resolved-risa/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909171110/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919835/alice-guo-to-remain-in-pnp-custody-until-issues-with-charges-filed-at-tarlac-court-resolved-risa/story/ |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |accessdate=September 9, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> On September 13, the graft charges against Guo were transferred to the jurisdiction of a court in Valenzuela.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolledo |first1=Jairo |date=September 13, 2024 |title=Alice Guo's graft case transferred from Tarlac to Valenzuela court |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-graft-case-transferred-tarlac-valenzuela-court/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023236/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/alice-guo-graft-case-transferred-tarlac-valenzuela-court/ |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |accessdate=September 13, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> On September 14, the Supreme Court ordered the Capas RTC Branch 66 to transfer the non-bailable trafficking cases, under Republic Act No. 9208 of Guo and five others to the Pasig RTC.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 15, 2024 |title=SC orders transfer of Guo trafficking cases from Capas to Pasig |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915085032/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233406 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |accessdate=September 15, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref>

On September 20, the Valenzuela RTC Branch 282 rescheduled Guo's arraignment to September 30 regarding two counts of graft, in response to the pending motion to quash information filed by Guo's camp when the case was still in Capas. Additionally, the Pasig City RTC Branch 167 ordered Guo's transfer from the Camp Crame Custodial Center to the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Valenzuela court resets Alice Guo arraignment to Sept. 30 |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/20/valenzuela-court-rests-alice-guo-arraignment-to-sept-30-1717 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023237/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/20/valenzuela-court-rests-alice-guo-arraignment-to-sept-30-1717 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 20, 2024 |publisher=ABS-CBN News}}</ref> The transfer occurred on September 23 and, following a mandatory medical and physical examination, she was diagnosed with a suspected left lung infection but tested negative for tuberculosis.<ref>{{cite news |last=Argosino |first=Faith |date=September 23, 2024 |title=Alice Guo diagnosed with suspected lung infection, says PNP |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/249993/alice-guo-diagnosed-with-suspected-lung-infection-says-pnp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023237/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/249993/alice-guo-diagnosed-with-suspected-lung-infection-says-pnp |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |accessdate=September 23, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref>

==="Celebrity" treatment controversy=== [[File:PNP and Abalos with Alice Guo.jpg|thumb|Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos (left) and PNP chief Rommel Marbil (right) accompanying Guo (center) during her deportation proceedings in Indonesia. This particular photo drew negative reception in the Philippines due to Guo and the officials' cheerful behavior when taken to context the actual circumstances behind the photo.<ref name="outrage">{{cite news |last=Cepeda |first=Mara |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Outrage in Philippines over officials' photos with fugitive ex-mayor Alice Guo |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/outrage-in-philippines-over-officials-photos-with-fugitive-ex-mayor-alice-guo |access-date=September 7, 2024 |work=The Straits Times |language=en}}</ref>|alt=Guo sits on a couch with two men on either side of her. Guo is smiling at the camera while making two V signs.]] Critics, including lawmakers and social media users, condemned the warm reception Guo had received from Philippine officials in Indonesia, which included them posing cheerfully in photographs with her, a practice deemed more suitable for celebrity encounters than law enforcement.<ref name="INQAbarca">{{cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Hontiveros slams gov't officials posing for photos with Alice Guo |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/247972/hontiveros-slams-govt-officials-posing-for-pics-with-alice-guo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908014708/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/247972/hontiveros-slams-govt-officials-posing-for-pics-with-alice-guo |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |accessdate=September 8, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> A photo of Secretary Abalos and PNP chief Rommel Marbil documenting a private meeting with Guo was particularly given focus by critics for its bad optics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lazaro |first1=Jacob |last2=Aurelio |first2=Julie M. |date=September 7, 2024 |title=Alice Guo 'celebrity' selfies spark outrage |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248204/alice-guo-celebrity-selfies-spark-outrage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023237/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248204/alice-guo-celebrity-selfies-spark-outrage |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 8, 2024 |newspaper=Inquirer News |publisher=INQUIRER.net |location=Manila, Philippines}}</ref>

Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the authorities in the photos, emphasizing that Guo was a fugitive with a human trafficking case and "not a celebrity."<ref name="INQAbarca"/> The authorities' actions were described as a "mockery" for the Philippines, highlighting the public's concern over the integrity of the legal process in Guo's case.<ref name=outrage /> Officials from the agencies which directly participated in her arrest subsequently apologized over the issue.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 6, 2024 |title=NBI, PNP nag-sorry sa viral selfie kay Alice Guo |trans-title=NBI, PNP apologizes for viral selfie with Alice Guo |url=https://tonite.abante.com.ph/2024/09/06/nbi-pnp-nag-sorry-sa-viral-selfie-kay-alice-guo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908154804/https://tonite.abante.com.ph/2024/09/06/nbi-pnp-nag-sorry-sa-viral-selfie-kay-alice-guo/ |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |access-date=September 8, 2024 |work=Abante |language=fil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 8, 2024 |title=BI official says sorry for Immigration personnel selfie with Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/919629/bi-official-says-sorry-for-immigration-personnel-selfie-with-alice-guo/story/ |access-date=September 8, 2024 |work=GMA News}}</ref> President Bongbong Marcos later defended the nature of the photographs as part of selfie culture.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Marcos says Alice Guo selfies with officials 'part of new culture' |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/6/marcos-says-alice-guo-selfies-with-officials-part-of-the-new-culture-1256 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004023309/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/6/marcos-says-alice-guo-selfies-with-officials-part-of-the-new-culture-1256 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |access-date=September 8, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> On September 9, Marcos dismissed Norman Tansingco as commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, citing the agency's failure to prevent Guo's escape.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Gutierrez |first1=Pia |last2=Abanto |first2=Rowegie |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Marcos approves Immigration chief's dismissal: Palace |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/9/marcos-approves-immigration-chief-s-dismissal-official-1246 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909053255/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/9/marcos-approves-immigration-chief-s-dismissal-official-1246 |archive-date=September 9, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref>

==Personal life== ===Relationships=== Conflicting details have also emerged of Guo's relationships. During the Senate hearings into her, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said that Guo has a live-in partner who manages POGO operations, while Guo said she is single.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abanto |first=Rowegie |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Senator says Guo's live-in partner runs POGO; mayor says she has no boyfriend |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/22/senator-says-guo-s-live-in-partner-runs-pogo-mayor-says-she-has-no-boyfriend-1339 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522202438/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/22/senator-says-guo-s-live-in-partner-runs-pogo-mayor-says-she-has-no-boyfriend-1339 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> She was also linked to Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo Calugay, but they denied having a romantic relationship and clarified that they are just friends.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Alice Guo denies owning Alisel Aquafarm, relationship with Sual mayor |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248589/alice-guo-denies-owning-alisel-aquafarm-relationship-with-sual-mayor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910025327/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248589/alice-guo-denies-owning-alisel-aquafarm-relationship-with-sual-mayor |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |accessdate=September 10, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cruz |first=James Patrick |date=September 8, 2024 |title=FAST FACTS: Who is Sual Mayor Dong Calugay of Pangasinan? |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/fast-facts-sual-pangasinan-mayor-dong-calugay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910120743/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/fast-facts-sual-pangasinan-mayor-dong-calugay/ |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |accessdate=September 10, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bordey |first=Hana |date=September 17, 2024 |title='Kaibigan lang': Sual mayor Calugay denies romantic relationship with Alice Guo |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/920703/kaibigan-lang-sual-mayor-calugay-denies-romantic-relationship-with-alice-guo/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917042947/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/920703/kaibigan-lang-sual-mayor-calugay-denies-romantic-relationship-with-alice-guo/story/ |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |accessdate=September 17, 2024 |work=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Six businesses bear the combination of their names.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abarca |first=Charie |date=September 17, 2024 |title=More firms tied to Alice Guo, Mayor Calugay unveiled in Senate probe |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/249365/more-businesses-tied-to-alice-guo-mayor-calugay-unveiled-in-senate-probe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920114721/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/249365/more-businesses-tied-to-alice-guo-mayor-calugay-unveiled-in-senate-probe |archive-date=September 20, 2024 |accessdate=September 20, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net}}</ref> Calugay's executive assistant was later found to have helped Guo in notarizing her counter-affidavit after she had fled the country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Magsambol |first=Bonz |date=September 17, 2024 |title=Sual Mayor Dong Calugay's assistant helped Alice Guo get counter affidavit notarized |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/sual-pangasinan-mayor-calugay-staff-assisted-alice-guo-affidavit-notarization/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917124244/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/sual-pangasinan-mayor-calugay-staff-assisted-alice-guo-affidavit-notarization/ |archive-date=September 17, 2024 |accessdate=September 17, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref>

===Languages=== Guo has said that she identifies her mother tongue as Filipino and is proficient in only a few Hokkien words. She has little fluency in Kapampangan, a language common in Bamban.<ref name="convince">{{Cite news |last=Tulad |first=Victoria |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Legarda to Guo: Convince us you're Filipino |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/22/legarda-to-guo-convince-us-you-re-filipino-2047 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522234431/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/22/legarda-to-guo-convince-us-you-re-filipino-2047 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN}}</ref> According to her elementary classmates at Grace Christian High School, Guo did not speak either English or Filipino in the early 2000s, suggesting that she was from China.<ref name="classmate">{{Cite news |last1=Cua |first1=Aric John Sy |last2=Cueto |first2=Francis Earl |last3=Valente |first3=Catherine S. |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Guo's elementary classmate: She didn't speak Filipino or English |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/13/news/national/guos-elementary-classmate-she-didnt-speak-filipino-or-english/1956990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713012719/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/13/news/national/guos-elementary-classmate-she-didnt-speak-filipino-or-english/1956990 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=The Manila Times}}</ref>

===Wealth=== According to her December 2023 Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Guo reported a net worth of {{Philippine peso|177.5 million|link=yes}}, with assets totaling {{Philippine peso|367 million}} and liabilities exceeding {{Philippine peso|189 million}}. Her assets include nine properties in Marilao, Bamban, and Capas, acquired for over {{Philippine peso|20 million}} since 2008, three dump trucks worth {{Philippine peso|2 million}} each, and a helicopter, which was recently sold to an undisclosed British firm, worth {{Philippine peso|60 million}}. Guo also declared shares in several companies, jewelry worth {{Philippine peso|1.5 million}}, and {{Philippine peso|198 million}} in bank and cash holdings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Felipe |first=Cecille Suerte |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Guo declares P367 million assets, P189 million liabilities |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/06/2360703/guo-declares-p367-million-assets-p189-million-liabilities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608065336/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/06/2360703/guo-declares-p367-million-assets-p189-million-liabilities |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref>

However, discrepancies arose in Alice Guo's financial declarations. GMA Integrated News Research reported her assets at around {{Philippine peso|429.6 million}} in her June 30, 2022, SALN. An amended SALN on July 1, 2022, showed her net worth dropped to exactly {{Philippine peso|286 million}}, removing real estate properties, club shares, and a {{Philippine peso|138 million}} land acquisition deposit that were later restored by December 31, 2022.<ref name="salnmismatch">{{Cite news |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Mayor Alice Guo's SALN shows mismatched info |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909164/mayor-alice-guo-s-saln-shows-mismatched-info/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607232859/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/909164/mayor-alice-guo-s-saln-shows-mismatched-info/story/ |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News}}</ref> Anti-Money Laundering Council documents also revealed billions of pesos were deposited into Guo's bank accounts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramos-Araneta |first=Macon |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Billions deposited into Guo accounts by Chinese benefactors–Gatchalian |url=https://manilastandard.net/news/314470651/chinese-money-fueled-guos-36-bank-accounts-frozen-by-amlc-gatchalian.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712232016/https://manilastandard.net/news/314470651/chinese-money-fueled-guos-36-bank-accounts-frozen-by-amlc-gatchalian.html |archive-date=July 12, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=Manila Standard}}</ref> It was also revealed that Guo holds 31 or 36 bank accounts solely under her name and owns 12 real estate properties, 12 vehicles, and a helicopter, according to the Court of Appeals, which issued a freeze order on these assets on July 11, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 11, 2024 |title=Let It Go: Alice Guo's Bank Accounts, Properties Frozen By CA |url=https://politiko.com.ph/2024/07/11/let-it-go-alice-guos-bank-accounts-properties-frozen-by-ca/headlines/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713034348/https://politiko.com.ph/2024/07/11/let-it-go-alice-guos-bank-accounts-properties-frozen-by-ca/headlines/ |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |work=Politiko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramos |first=Marlon |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Gatchalian: 36 Alice Guo accounts financed illegal Pogo |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242429/gatchalian-36-alice-guo-accounts-financed-illegal-pogo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713013524/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/242429/gatchalian-36-alice-guo-accounts-financed-illegal-pogo |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref><ref name="freeze" />

Guo was alleged to own a McLaren 620R, which she denied. She insisted that it was borrowed from a friend for a car show event in Concepcion, Tarlac.<ref name="helicopter">{{Cite news |last=Cabrera |first=Romina |date=May 22, 2024 |title=Guo admits owning helicopter, not luxury car |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/22/2357049/guo-admits-owning-helicopter-not-luxury-car |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528022015/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/22/2357049/guo-admits-owning-helicopter-not-luxury-car |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=Philippine Star}}</ref> As of May 2024, the Land Transportation Office has 12 vehicles in record under Guo's name and not under one of her businesses; the McLaren is not among these.<ref name="vehicles-12">{{Cite news |date=May 22, 2024 |title=EXCLUSIVE: 'Simpleng mamamayan'? Bamban Mayor Alice Guo owns over 12 vehicles |url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/simpleng-mamamayan-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-owns-cars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709111910/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/simpleng-mamamayan-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo-owns-cars/ |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=Rappler}}</ref> Guo says she uses a GAC GS8 vehicle for her personal use.<ref name="owns-16">{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Bamban Mayor Alice Guo owns 16 vehicles - Hontiveros |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/23/bamban-mayor-alice-guo-owns-16-vehicles-hontiveros-802 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526032743/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/23/bamban-mayor-alice-guo-owns-16-vehicles-hontiveros-802 |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref name="philstar16">{{Cite news |last=Cabrera |first=Romina |date=May 24, 2024 |title=Guo has 16 vehicles registered in her name |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/24/2357531/guo-has-16-vehicles-registered-her-name |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529220233/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/05/24/2357531/guo-has-16-vehicles-registered-her-name |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=Philippine Star}}</ref>

==Personal information summary== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left" |- ! !! According to Guo !! Contradictory information |- |Legal birth name || Alice Leal Guo || Guo Hua Ping {{small|(as per Chinese passport;<ref name="bares-paper">{{cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Cristina |date=August 18, 2024 |title=Senator bares papers suggesting Alice Guo was born in China |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/18/2363781/senator-bares-papers-suggesting-alice-guo-was-born-china |access-date=October 6, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> and fingerprint analysis by the NBI<ref name=nbi-confirms/>)}} |- |Birth date (and age) || {{birth date and age|1986|07|12}} {{small|(as per Philippine birth certificate<ref name=nbi-confirms/>)}} || {{birth date and age|1990|08|31}} {{small|(as per Chinese passport<ref name=bares-paper/>)}} |- |Birthplace || Tarlac, Tarlac, Philippines {{small|(as per 2019 {{abbr|COC|Certificate of Candidacy}})}}||Fujian, China {{small|(as per Chinese passport<ref name=bares-paper/>)}} |- |Citizenship || Filipino || Chinese {{small|(as per {{abbr|SIRV|Special Investors Resident Visa}}<ref name=bares-paper/>)}} |- |Mother || Amelia Leal || Lin Wen Yi {{small|(as per {{abbr|SIRV|Special Investors Resident Visa}})}} |- |Father || Jian Zhong Guo (Angelito Guo)||{{N/A}} |- |Education || Homeschooled {{small|(under "Teacher Rubilyn")}} || Grace Christian High School {{small|(as per enrollment forms)}} |}

==Electoral history== {{Election box begin no change| | title = 2022 Bamban mayoral election<ref name="phvote" /> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change| | party = Independent (politician) | candidate = Alice Guo | votes = 16,503 | percentage = 42.98 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Nationalist People's Coalition | candidate = Joey Salting | votes = 16,035 | percentage = 41.76 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Aksyon Demokratiko | candidate = Diegogarcia Ilagan | votes = 3,230 | percentage = 8.41 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan | candidate = Joseph Gomez | votes = 2,372 | percentage = 6.18 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Independent (politician) | candidate = Son Marimla | votes = 126 | percentage = 0.33 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Independent (politician) | candidate = Nestor Serrano | votes = 83 | percentage = 0.22 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change| | party = Independent (politician) | candidate = Ferdinand Mariano | votes = 48 | percentage = 0.13 }} {{Election box total no change| | votes = 35,497 | percentage = 100.00 }} {{Election box gain with party link without swing |winner = Independent (politician) |loser = Nationalist People's Coalition }} {{Election box end}}

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==See also== *2025 China–Philippines espionage cases *Naturalization of Li Duan Wang *Joseph Sy *Eileen Wang, a Chinese-American mayor of Arcadia, who plead guilty to acting as a foreign agent of the People's Republic of China

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{commons category-inline}} {{Philippine offshore gaming operators}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Guo, Alice}} Category:Age controversies Category:Espionage scandals and incidents Category:Fugitives wanted by the Philippines Category:Independent politicians in the Philippines Category:Living people Category:Mayors of places in Tarlac Category:Nationalist People's Coalition politicians Category:People expelled from public office Category:Politicians affected by a party expulsion process Category:Foreign nationals imprisoned in Indonesia Category:Women mayors of places in the Philippines Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Chinese emigrants to the Philippines Category:21st-century Chinese women politicians Category:People from Jinjiang, Quanzhou Category:Citizenship controversies Category:Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment by the Philippines Category:People convicted of human trafficking Category:Chinese politicians convicted of crimes Category:21st-century Chinese criminals Category:Foreign nationals imprisoned in the Philippines Category:Chinese prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment