Remulla

DOJ VS. GUO

September 16, 2024 People's Journal 99 views

THE Department of Justice is preparing to file non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and several others.

This follows a thorough review of evidence and witness statements, which suggest a strong likelihood of conviction for violations of RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended.

DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, who heads the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), announced that formal charges will be filed next week in the appropriate Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The case stems from a complaint lodged by the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Under current laws, individuals who manage establishments involved in trafficking can be held accountable, even if they did not directly engage in acts such as torture, rape, or forced labor.

In addition to Guo, charges will also be brought against her business associates, including Huang Zhiyang, a foreign national identified by the PAOCC as the “boss of all bosses” of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), as well as a sitting Philippine senator.

In a related development, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has received approval from the Supreme Court to transfer cases currently pending in Regional Trial Court Branch 66 of Capas, Tarlac, to the National Capital Region (NCR).

In a letter dated April 22, 2024, Secretary Remulla requested Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo to transfer criminal case numbers 9855-9857 (PP vs. Ma The Pong, Wang Weili, Lang Xu, et al.) from the RTC of Capas, Tarlac, to Metro Manila.

Remulla also highlighted the importance of using a neutral venue to maintain the integrity of trial proceedings and avoid local biases. The Supreme Court approved his request and ordered the transfer of all related files to the RTC of Pasig City.

“I commend the SC for their commitment to uphold the law and prevent miscarriages of justice. The DOJ is determined to prosecute these cases with integrity,” Remulla stated.

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