Karen Davila and Alice Guo (right) | Image: Instagram/@iamkarendavila, X/@iamkarendavila
Broadcast journalist Karen Davila remarked that the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac, Mayor Alice Guo showed how “authorities confuse fame and infamy” after a photo of the latter all smiling with local officials went viral on social media.
The “TV Patrol” anchor took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Sept. 6, to share the viral photo of the former mayor with the local authorities and wrote, “When authorities confuse fame and infamy,” and went on to quote Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ statement about how Guo is “not a celebrity but a fugitive.”
In a separate tweet, Davila again quoted Sen. Hontiveros about how the public “wants answers, not a photoshoot,” and went on to add her own remark, “The bigger the crime, the bigger the star? One day, hopefully it becomes—the bigger the crime, the greater the indignation.”
Meanwhile, actress Sofia Andres reposted Sen. Hontiveros argument that Guo’s arrest should not be treated as a “social event” given that she is a fugitive involved with human trafficking and money laundering, among other illegal activities.
Image: Instagram/@iamsofiaandres
In an interview, Guo tried to defend her light and cheerful mood upon her arrest, saying she felt “safe” in the presence of the Philippine officials.
“Kino-confirm ko po lahat ng sinabi ni Sec na may death threat po ako at humingi ako ng tulong sa kanila. Masaya din po ako na nakita ko po sila, I feel safe po,” she said.
(I confirm everything that Sec said that I have a death threat and I asked them for help. I’m also happy that I saw them.)
On Sept. 6, Guo returned to the Philippines two days after her apprehension in Indonesia. She was then escorted to the headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday afternoon after facing the Tarlac court to confront some of the cases filed against her.
The ex-mayor was arrested for her alleged connections to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Bamban that was raided for illegal activities.
Other complaints she is facing include violation of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, among others.