Alice Guo relents to Senate executive session, says she’s a victim

Manila: Former mayor Alice Guo finally relented to an executive session on Tuesday, terminating for the day the Senate panel inquiry on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Guo was allowed to talk to her lawyers using a mobile phone prior to the closed-door session. "Hindi po ako mastermind. Masasabi ko po na ako ay (I am not the mastermind. I can say I'm a) victim," Guo responded to Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito when asked about the extent of her involvement in the POGO web. "I think sa tagal po ng investigation, alam na rin po ng committee (with the length of the investigation, the committee [on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality] knows), especially chaired by our Madam chair [Senator Risa Hontiveros], who is really at the back of everything." In a news release, Ejercito said Guo is merely a "pawn" being exploited by an international crime syndicate. He pressed her to identify those most guilty for the sake of the victims of POGO-related activities. Guo then expressed her willingness to disclose the key figures behind the operation of the international crime syndicate. "I'm expecting that Ms. Alice Guo will divulge the real masterminds behind this operation," Ejercito said, while assuring Guo the Senate will be responsible for her safety. Meanwhile, Hontiveros announced the lifting of the contempt citation on Guo's sister, Shiela. 'Sheila Guo, the contempt order on you is lifted, and I direct the OSAA (Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms) to transfer your custody to the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to the Mission Order issued by the Bureau against you,' Hontiveros said. Source: Philippines News Agency