North South Jorunal news team 
Lawyer Elmer Galicia, who notarized Bamban’s counter-affidavit, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, claimed he was a victim and used his right to self-incrimination.
Senator Joel Villanueva, on the other hand, charged Galicia with lying before the committee and refusing to clarify his position. The Gana-Atienza-Avisado law company, which drafted the counter-affidavit, delivered it to Guo’s secretary, Cath Salazar, on August 14 without knowing her whereabouts.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros voiced her surprise that the firm was unaware that Guo was already out of the country at the time. Senator Gatchalian argued that Galicia lied and should be held accountable. He determined that the counter-affidavit was not signed in front of Galicia, and he should also face charges from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian feels Guo’s lawyers were aware of her plans to leave the country in July, more than a month before the counter-affidavit was signed and notarized. Assistant Prosecutor Isser Josef Gatdula wrote that a counter-affidavit may only be notarized outside of the department if no prosecutors are available. However, under the current DOJ recommendations, there are plenty of available prosecutors in the Department of Justice, which clarifies why Guo’s counter-affidavits a notary public were invalid.
In conclusion, the notarization of Alice Guo’s counter-affidavit was ruled illegal due to the absence of prosecutors in the Department of Justice. The case illustrates the need for increased accountability and transparency in legal proceedings.
