Comelec: Bamban Mayor Alice Guo can run in 2025 despite suspension

MANILA, Philippines – Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac can still run in the May 2025 elections even if she is suspended from holding public office, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that a local official cannot be barred from participating in elections until a court has issued a final conviction.

Therefore, a suspension by the Department of Interior (DILG) will not prevent Guo from filing a certificate of candidacy (COC), Garcia said.

“When an officer is suspended, it is not a final conviction or verdict in a case. In the meantime, the officer can continue to run for office,” Garcia said Thursday.

“Of course, we are not talking about the other cases that could be brought against them. We do not want to prejudge the case that could be brought,” the election officer said.

However, if the suspension order came only from the DILG, the Comelec would have to accept it, Garcia said, if Guo ever decides to file her COC.

He said the legal question of whether the DILG’s suspension only covers her current detention period also needs to be clarified.

“We are not discussing this yet because she has the right to defend herself. We will only address the matter when we are there,” Garcia said.

The DILG had previously recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that Guo be suspended for her alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations in Bamban City. – Mayen Jaymalin