Senator Risa Hontiveros took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to refute the circulation of edited photos that falsely depict her alongside dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Guo, who recently made headlines due to controversies surrounding her nationality and alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) within her jurisdiction, has reportedly fled the country.
In her post, Hontiveros warned the public against spreading these doctored images, stressing that they are completely fabricated. “Mag-ingat po sa mga edited photos online na magkasama kami diumano at magkaibigan daw kami. THIS IS FAKE,” Hontiveros stated. She emphasized that there is no truth to the claims that she is friends with Guo, and she expressed her determination to uncover the individuals responsible for spreading these misleading images. “We will get to the bottom of who is circulating this,” she added.
The controversy surrounding Alice Guo has been ongoing, with questions being raised about her true nationality. Guo, who was mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, was dismissed from her post after allegations surfaced regarding her involvement with POGOs, a sector often criticized for its association with illegal activities in the Philippines. Her sudden departure from the country fueled speculation and prompted investigations into her connections and actions during her tenure.
Wala akong kaibigan na pekeng Pil. 🤨
— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) August 23, 2024
Mag-ingat po sa mga edited photos online na magkasama kami diumano at magkaibigan daw kami. THIS IS FAKE.
Also calling on Facebk, Twitter, YouTube, & Tiktok to moderate AI content!
We will get to the bottom of who is circulating this. pic.twitter.com/j9QMIWHCIR
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Shiela Leal Guo, Alice Guo’s sister, and Cassandra Li Ong, a known POGO incorporator, returned to the Philippines on Thursday after being apprehended by Indonesian authorities in Riau. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) disclosed that the dismissed mayor was initially with them but managed to escape before their apprehension. The NBI also revealed a startling detail, identifying that Shiela Guo and a Chinese national named Zhang Mier are the same person. “Comparative fingerprint analysis shows that the Chinese Zhang Mier and Shiela L. Guo are one and the same person… so iisa yun,” the NBI confirmed.
Hontiveros’s strong response on social media highlights her ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and counter misinformation, especially at a time when edited content can easily mislead the public. As investigations continue, the senator remains vigilant, urging the public to be cautious about the information they consume online.