Comelec Says Mayor Guo Can Run In May 2025 Elections Despite Suspension
MAYOR GUO – According to the Commission on Elections, Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, remains eligible to run in the May 2025 elections even in the event of a suspension from her public office.
Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo is eligible to run in the May 2025 elections even if she faces suspension from her public office, as stated by the Commission on Elections.
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, a local official cannot be disqualified from running in an election unless there is a definitive conviction by a court.
Therefore, Garcia clarified that a suspension imposed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would not prevent Guo from submitting her certificate of candidacy (COC).
“If an official gets suspended, that is not final conviction or judgment in a case. In the meantime, the official can still run,” Garcia said on Thursday.
“Of course, we are not talking about the other cases that can be filed against her. We do not want to pre-empt the case that could be filed,” the Comelec chief said.
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However, Garcia mentioned that if the suspension directive originates solely from the DILG, the Comelec is compelled to acknowledge it if Guo chooses to submit her COC.
He noted that the legal matter concerning whether the DILG suspension pertains exclusively to her present term also requires clarification.
“We are not yet discussing that because she has the right to defend herself. For us, we will cross the bridge when we get there,” Garcia said.
The DILG has previously suggested to the Office of the Ombudsman the suspension of Guo due to allegations of her involvement in illicit POGO activities in Bamban town.