Alice Guo

MANILA— Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo denied that she is Guo HUa Ping or her alleged true identity, her legal counsel said on Wednesday.

Guo’s alleged real identity was bared by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday, citing the Guo family’s application for a Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV) which indicated that Guo Hua Ping is Alice’s real name.

The document also revealed that Guo entered the Philippines on January 12, 2003, when she was already 13 years old.

Guo’s legal counsel, Atty. Stephen David, however, said the mayor categorically denies the claim.

“The mayor states that she is Filipino, she was issued a Philippine passport, and she has many real estate properties that you cannot acquire if you are a foreigner,” said David in an interview over Radyo 630.

 “And categorically, she says she has nothing to do with Guo Hua Ping,” he added.Posts Disappointing Q1 Results Ami

According to David, Chinese citizens are not allowed to hold dual citizenship, arguing that Guo is a Philippine passport holder, which has been renewed several times.

David also pointed out that Guo has already traveled to China using the same Philippine passport several times.

“If she really has a Chinese passport, she doesn’t need to get a Chinese visa. Because her Chinese passport is valid in China,” said David.

David urged senators to file a case against Guo in court, criticizing attempts to turn the issue into a “trial by publicity.”

“‘Trial by publicity is hard to fight, even if you get the truth out in court, it seems like people won’t believe it because one is already pre-judged based on what they see and hear in public and social media,” said David.

Should a case be filed in court, David said he and Guo’s other lawyers will be able to formally assess the accusations and evidence against her.

 “We will face this Guo Hua Ping issue in court. I’m very confident that we can refute those allegations,” he said.