In the quiet municipality of Bamban, a storm brews around Mayor Alice Gou, not just because of her alleged connections to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), but now also due to her recent win in a prestigious car show. A post on the social media platform X highlighted an old article from the local magazine Tarlac Standard, drawing significant attention to the mayor’s extravagant lifestyle. The post revealed that Gou’s luxurious sports car, a McLaren 620R worth an astounding PHP 33 million, won a major car show in December.
Mayor Gou, already a controversial figure due to questions surrounding her citizenship and alleged links to Chinese-operated POGOs, finds herself under increasing scrutiny. Her McLaren win has reignited public discourse about her suitability for office, especially given the ongoing investigations into her activities and affiliations.
From Celebrated Mayor to Controversial Figure
Alice Leal Guo, 37, was once celebrated as the first female mayor of Bamban, a small second-class municipality in Tarlac, north of Manila. Her victory in the car show, however, comes at a time when she faces serious allegations that have overshadowed her political career.
Guo’s recent appearance at a Senate hearing added fuel to the fire. During the May 7 hearing, she claimed to have little recollection of her early life, including basic details such as the house where she was born and the reasons for her delayed birth registration. This prompted Senator Risa Hontiveros to question whether Guo might be an “asset” planted by China to infiltrate Philippine politics.
Links to Illegal POGOs
Guo’s alleged involvement with illegal POGOs, particularly Hongsheng Gaming Technology Incorporated and Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, both operating out of the Baofu Compound in Bamban, has been a major point of contention. These establishments were linked to various illicit activities, including scam operations, trafficking, and cyber attacks on government websites.
Despite admitting to aiding Hongsheng Gaming in obtaining municipal council approval, Guo insisted she divested her interests before running for mayor. However, the complexity of these transactions and the dubious nature of her business partnerships have not escaped the scrutiny of the Senate.
Presidential Directive
Adding to the mounting pressure, President Marcos has issued a directive for a thorough investigation into Mayor Guo’s background. The president’s move came after it was revealed that many of his associates had no prior knowledge of Guo, raising further suspicions about her legitimacy and motives.
— Jover Laurio (@PinoyAkoBlog) May 17, 2024
As Mayor Alice Gou navigates the dual pressures of legal scrutiny and public opinion, her controversial win with the McLaren 620R remains a symbol of the ongoing debate about her role and actions within the Bamban municipality. Whether she will emerge unscathed or face political downfall remains to be seen, as authorities continue to unravel the complexities surrounding her career and personal life.