Alice Guo’s sister and the staff of Porac POGO are set to appear before the Senate.

Government agencies are working to rectify the embarrassing departure of Alice Guo by ensuring two key individuals are apprehended MANILA, Philippines – Following a significant oversight that allowed the dismissed mayor Alice Guo to leave the country, Philippine officials swiftly orchestrated a cross-border operation within just a few days: to capture two other important figures and bring them before Congress, where the regulations are more lenient. On Tuesday, August 27, Sheila Guo, Alice’s sister, and Cassandra Li Ong, the government liaison for the Porac Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), are scheduled to testify at a Senate inquiry. According to the Senate public information and media relations office, Guo is currently in Senate custody, secured by a “round-the-clock security team.” Meanwhile, Ong was transferred to the House of Representatives on Monday. The Senate has coordinated with the House to facilitate Ong’s movement from Batasan to Pasay on Tuesday. While Sheila Guo and Ong are anticipated to face questioning on Tuesday, government agencies will also come under examination for Alice Guo’s exit despite an immigration alert and a Senate warrant. Officials from immigration, transport, aviation, and foreign affairs have been summoned to attend Tuesday’s hearing.

The Senate inquiry aims to uncover the systematic failures that led to Alice Guo’s exit from the country, especially in light of the alerts that should have prevented her from traveling. Lawmakers are particularly interested in understanding how gaps in communication and coordination among various government agencies could allow a high-profile individual, under scrutiny for alleged corruption, to leave the Philippines without consequence.

Senator Maria Reyes, who chairs the committee overseeing the inquiry, expressed her determination to hold accountable those responsible for this oversight. “We need to ensure that our immigration and law enforcement systems function effectively to prevent such lapses in the future. The public deserves answers, and we will not rest until we get them,” she stated in a press conference.

As the inquiry unfolds, both Sheila Guo and Cassandra Li Ong are expected to provide crucial insights into the operations of the POGO and the Guo family’s political machinations. Their testimonies could shed light on potential collusion or negligence among government officials that facilitated Alice Guo’s departure.

In preparation for the hearings, security measures have been heightened around the Senate building, with additional personnel deployed to manage crowds and ensure the safety of all involved. The public’s interest in the case remains high, with many citizens expressing their outrage over what they perceive as a failure of the system to uphold justice and integrity.

Meanwhile, Alice Guo’s whereabouts remain unknown, with reports suggesting she may have sought refuge in a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the Philippines. This situation has prompted discussions among lawmakers about revising existing laws governing extradition and immigration protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the inquiry progresses, it is expected that more details will emerge regarding the extent of Alice Guo’s influence and connections within government circles, as well as possible implications for other ongoing investigations into corruption linked to POGOs in the Philippines. The outcome of this inquiry could have lasting effects on policy reforms and public trust in government institutions.