In the tortuous world of Philippine politics, the case of Mayor Alice Guo has ignited a storm of controversy. Newly-installed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has boldly asserted that the burden of proof rests with those who allege Guo is not Filipino. This principle, rooted deeply in the tenets of law, is not just a legal formality but a critical safeguard in the pursuit of justice.

The maxim “he who alleges must prove” serves as a cornerstone of our legal system, ensuring that accusations are not made lightly or without substantiation. This is particularly vital in a political climate where allegations can easily be wielded as weapons. Escudero’s insistence on this principle underscores a commitment to due process and the integrity of our legal frameworks.

However, the doubts surrounding Guo’s citizenship and her alleged connections to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) demand rigorous scrutiny. Senators, led by Risa Hontiveros, have raised serious concerns, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. The question now is how to navigate this complex issue while adhering to legal principles and ensuring accountability.

Escudero’s point that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) accepts Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) ministerially is well-taken. Indeed, the Comelec’s role is to ensure that procedural requirements are met, not to adjudicate the veracity of every claim on a candidate’s COC. However, this does not mean the Comelec is powerless. Under Comelec rules, they can disqualify a candidate if there is substantial evidence of ineligibility or false representation in the COC. This means that, if compelling evidence is presented, the Comelec can and should act.

To resolve this impasse, several steps should be taken:

1. Transparent Investigation: An independent and transparent investigation into Guo’s citizenship must be conducted. This could be spearheaded by the Solicitor General, as Escudero suggested, through a quo warranto case, which is designed to challenge the right of an individual to hold office.

2. Thorough Vetting by Comelec: The Comelec should be empowered and supported to thoroughly vet the evidence presented against Guo. If the evidence indicates a breach of eligibility requirements, the Comelec should not hesitate to act.

3. Public Hearings: To ensure transparency and public confidence, hearings should be conducted openly. This will not only shed light on the facts but also demonstrate the commitment of public institutions to uphold justice.

4. Strengthen Legal Safeguards: Finally, this case highlights the need to strengthen legal safeguards around the vetting of candidates. Legislators should consider reforms that enable more robust preliminary checks without infringing on the rights of candidates.

The unfolding drama around Mayor Guo is a potent reminder of the delicate balance between upholding legal principles and ensuring the integrity of our political institutions. As this saga continues, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that the pursuit of truth and justice prevails over political maneuvering.

In this intricate dance of power and principle, let us remember that the heart of democracy lies not in the size of the allegations but in the strength of the evidence. Only by adhering to these principles can we navigate the storm and emerge with our democratic values intact.