(POLITIKO) Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo denied she has a romantic relationship with Sual, Pangasinan mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay amid allegations that they both operated illegal offshore gaming hubs in their localities.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada pressed Guo to admit their relationship, as the latter after a month of being on the run finally attended the Senate investigation on her alleged links to organized crime.
“How do you describe your relationship with Mayor Calugay? Kaibigan, o ka-ibigan?” Estrada asked Guo during the resumption of the inquiry on Monday (Sept. 9).
“Hindi ko po siya boyfriend. Wala po kaming relasyon,” Guo said behind smiles.
But Estrada pointed out that the two were supposed to have an aquatic farm business in Sual, Pangasinan named after them – Alisel Aqua Farm.
“Very obvious naman. ‘Alisel’ – Alice, Liseldo. Ayaw mo pa rin umamin na malalim ang pagkakaibigan niyo, at itong pagkakaibigan niyo yung tumutulong sa iyo sa lahat ng aktibidades mo?” Estrada said.
Alisel Aqua Farm is registered under the name of Guo’s alleged sister Shiela, who denied knowing the business.
Without admitting her business and romantic ties with Calugay, Guo said the aqua farm did not push through.
Estrada presented to the committee pictures between Calugay and Guo in local government events which would show their budding romance.
Calugay was seen wearing a pink Alice Guo shirt. Guo meanwhile was seen receiving a big bouquet of flowers from him.
During the hearing, Guo denied she is behind illegal offshore gaming operations tied to a syndicate. She invoked her right against self-incrimination when asked about allegations related to her money laundering and human trafficking cases.