Guo apologizes to Escudero, says she was not imposing on senators | ABS-CBN

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Guo apologizes to Escudero, says she was not imposing on senators

Guo apologizes to Escudero, says she was not imposing on senators

Victoria Tulad,

ABS-CBN News

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Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo in a Senate hearing in Pasay City on May 22, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileBamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo in a Senate hearing in Pasay City on May 22, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Senate President Francis Escudero, after the latter said Guo cannot tell senators what to do. 

In a letter received by Escudero's office on July 22, Guo said she did not mean to dictate to the Senate. 

"Wala po akong intensyon na pagsabihan o diktahan ang Senado kung ano ang mga dapat bigyang prayoridad. Nauunawaan ko po na ang bawat mambabatas ay may sariling tungkulin at responsibilidad sa bayan. Ang aking layunin lamang po ay magbigay ng suhestiyon base sa mga problemang nararanasan ng aking mga kababayan sa Bamban," Guo said. 

(I do not have any intention to dictate to the Senate what to prioritize. I understand that every lawmaker has his own function and responsibility to the country. I only wanted to give a suggestion based on the problem experienced by my constituents in Bamban.) 

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Guo apologized for any misunderstanding. 

She also asked for help to ensure that Bamban residents will not be neglected. 

"Bilang isang tao na patuloy na humahanap ng hustisya, umaasa po akong mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na maipagtanggol ang aking sarili sa tamang forum. Batid ko pong bilang isang abogado, nauunawaan ninyo ang kahalagahan ng 'presumption of innocence' at ang pangangailangan irespeto ang karapatan ng bawat indibidwal habang umuusad ang imbestigasyon," Guo appealed. 

(As someone who is seeking justice, I hope that I will be given a chance to defend myself in the proper forum.  I know that as a lawyer, you understand the importance of 'presumption of innocence' and the need to respect the right of each individual while the investigation is ongoing.) 

Guo did not mention anything about surrendering. 

In a press conference, Escudero said he gets the understanding that Guo is requesting for, but stressed the need for her to surface. 

"Hangga't hindi siya nagpapakita at sumusunod sa Senado ay hindi ko matatanggap anumang pakiusap ang hinihiling niya dun sa kanyang liham," Escudero said. 

(As long as she does not show up and follow the Senate, I cannot accept any request she is asking for in her letter.) 

Escudero also emphasized that there is no need to stop the hearings on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) even if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr already announced a ban. 

"Walang dahilan para hindi magpatuloy 'yon dahil garantiya din 'yon na maisasakatuparan ang sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos kahapon sa SONA na banned na ang POGO," Escudero stated. 

(There is no reason to not continue the hearing because that is also a guarantee that the President's pronouncement in his SONA yesterday will be fulfilled on banning POGOs.)

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