‘Nakakapikon ka na’: Senators lose patience as Alice Guo refuses to answer questions

(GMA NEWS) Senators on Monday lost patience as dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo refused to answer questions during the inquiry of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

Committee chair Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada were asking Guo for the name of the owner of the yacht she used to flee the country and the name of the facilitator who helped her get into the vessel.

Guo said she was unsure if the owner and the facilitator of the yacht are one and the same person.

Estrada then told Guo to write the names of the people who helped her get into the yacht.

However, Guo refused to answer the question, saying that she was afraid for her life.

In response, Guo requested not to publicize the names she was about to write.

“Do not tell the senators what to do with the information. Pinagbibigyan ka namin isulat sa papel (We are doing you a favor in allowing you to write in paper,” Hontiveros said.

Guo then reiterated she is afraid of the death threats she has yet to disclose.

“Nauubos na ‘yung pasensya namin,” Hontiveros said.

(We losing our patience.)

When Guo responded that she really wanted to say the names of the people who help her, Estrada cut her off, saying “Gustong gusto mo pala [i-discuss], e di sabihin mo. Nakakapikon ka na. Nakakagigil ka na.”

(You said you wanted to discuss it. Then, say it. We’re losing patience here.)

Hontiveros told Guo that she is under the protection of the Philippine National Police.

However, she continued to refuse to answer the Senate’s questions.   

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation also assured Guo’s safety if she is under their custody.

Guo was also cited in contempt for the second time for allegedly continuing to lie before the senators.

Guo was brought back to the Philippines last week after being deported from Indonesia where she was arrested.

human trafficking complaint in relation to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Bamban and a money laundering complaint are among the legal troubles facing Guo.

READLIST: Complaints, petitions vs. Alice Guo

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is conducting an inquiry into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operating in the country.

Guo’s name was linked to a POGO hub in Bamban which was raided by authorities, but she has denied involvement with it. —KG, GMA Integrated News