The court has denied the motions for leave to file a demurrer to evidence filed by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, and her co-accused during Wednesday’s hearing. The defense typically files a motion for leave to seek court permission to submit a demurrer to evidence, which, if granted, would ask the court to dismiss the case based on insufficient evidence from the prosecution.
Following the denial, Guo’s defense team was initially scheduled to begin presenting their evidence on May 14. However, the hearing did not proceed as planned and was rescheduled to Monday, May 19. Pasig Assistant City Prosecutor Robinson Landicho confirmed the postponement but declined to provide the specific reason for the reset. “It was reset to Monday, May 19,” he briefly stated.
Guo’s legal team opted not to grant interviews following the hearing, stating it was upon their client’s instruction. Members of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission were also present in court on the originally scheduled hearing date.
The initial court calendar had allotted May 14 and 15 for the defense’s presentation of evidence. With the court’s recent ruling, the accused will now have to proceed to trial without the opportunity to challenge the sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence through a demurrer.
When asked about the condition of Alice Guo, who is currently detained, Prosecutor Landicho assured that all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at Pasig City Jail are being handled with care and professionalism by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). “All of our persons deprived of liberty in Pasig City are being taken care of by the BJMP very professionally. The judges, especially the executive judges of Pasig, are making regular visits to ensure the well-being of all PDLs,” he added.
The criminal case involving Alice Guo has drawn national attention due to her dismissal as mayor and the charges she is facing. With the recent court decision, the case is expected to move forward with trial proceedings beginning next week.