DOJ Declines Extension Request in Trafficking Case Involving Suspended Tarlac Mayor

TARLAC — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has rejected a request for an extension from the legal team of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to file a counter affidavit in a qualified trafficking case.

According to Philippines News Agency, for the third consecutive hearing, Mayor Guo did not appear personally during the preliminary investigations related to a June raid on an illegal online gaming hub in Pampanga. The case, referred to as the Porac case, has now moved to resolution stage based solely on the complainant’s allegations after other respondents managed to submit their counter-affidavits. “Most of the respondents have submitted their counter-affidavits, and as far as they are concerned, the case is submitted for resolution,” Clavano stated in a post-hearing briefing.

While Guo and three other Chinese incorporators failed to file their documents, the DOJ panel decided against granting any further extensions. Meanwhile, three other individuals, Denins Cunanan, Lin Baoying, and Mavielyn Rillo, were granted a 10-day extension until August 16 for various reasons including being abroad, changing legal counsel, and recent inclusion in the case.