Last week, Guo Huaping's team requested an extension of the original deadline from August 27 to September 1, which the Election Commission agreed to. However, the deadline has passed, and the commission has still not received Guo Huaping's counter-statement. Garcia, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new office building of the Election Commission in Pasay City, told the media that despite some work being temporarily interrupted due to heavy rain, the commission will wait until tomorrow at the latest, hoping to receive Guo Huaping's documents.
The Election Commission officially issued a subpoena to Guo Huaping on August 13, asking her to respond to the allegations of false statements. The initial submission deadline was set for August 23, but due to a public holiday, it was postponed to August 27. Guo Huaping's lawyer, Stephen David, subsequently requested a further 10-day extension of the submission period.
Garcia mentioned that since Guo Huaping has now left the Philippines, the commission might question this and ask her lawyer to explain why the counter-statement was not submitted within the Philippines. He also noted that such documents could also be submitted through Philippine embassies or consulates abroad.
Garcia emphasized that if Guo Huaping's team continues to refuse to submit the counter-statement, the legal department of the Election Commission will have to proceed with the preliminary investigation without her response, in order to fulfill its duties.
Guo Huaping has become the focus of a Senate investigation due to her alleged involvement in the handling of documents related to a raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) center in Bamban City. Despite her departure from the Philippines, the Election Commission will continue its investigation into her.
