Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for the country's intelligence and defense agencies to investigate allegations linking former Mayor Alice Guo of Banban, Tarlac Province, to Chinese espionage activities. These allegations were made by She Zhijiang, who claims to be a Chinese spy and is currently detained in Thailand.
Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized that these serious allegations must be properly verified before any further action is taken, despite widespread media coverage of the incident. He warned that if the allegations are true, they would pose a significant threat to the country's political system and national security.
Increasing Concerns Over Foreign Interference in Philippine Politics
The senator expressed concern about the extent of foreign influence infiltrating Philippine politics, questioning whether more spies have already penetrated the system. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed worries about foreign powers climbing the political ladder, noting the potential for serious impacts on future elections, including risks of foreign interference through economic influence and support.
National Security Threat: Alice Guo's Alleged Spy Activity Connections
New evidence in the congressional investigation has linked Alice Guo to Chinese espionage activities in the Philippines. The investigation, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, revealed connections between Alice Guo and She Zhijiang, a Cambodian-Chinese businessman now imprisoned in Thailand for illegal gambling activities. This development has heightened concerns about foreign forces manipulating local elections and endangering national security.
Alice Guo is accused of seeking financial support from She Zhijiang during her 2022 mayoral campaign, but she denies these allegations. Another concerning issue is Alice Guo's ties with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), some of which are located near military facilities. In response, Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has proposed stricter spy laws and harsher penalties for espionage during peacetime.
Skepticism Over She Zhijiang's Testimony
Despite the severity of the allegations, the credibility of She Zhijiang's testimony remains in question. Alice Guo's legal team has challenged the reliability of these accusations, citing She's criminal background. However, security experts warn against dismissing these allegations lightly, considering they might confirm suspicions that POGOs are being used for espionage activities.
Former Congressman Barry Gutierrez emphasized that a witness's criminal history does not necessarily invalidate their testimony. He called for continued investigations, as the possibility of POGOs serving as foreign intelligence gathering hubs has become a central focus of the inquiry.
Broader Impacts on National Security and Future Elections
The ongoing investigations have raised broader concerns about security risks associated with POGOs, linking these operators to money laundering, human trafficking, and now espionage activities. Senators have called for a comprehensive review of POGO operations, particularly their proximity to critical military locations.
The funds generated by POGOs also raise alarms about their impact on future elections, alerting lawmakers to potential corruption and bribery at high government levels. The investigation also reviews Alice Guo's connections with other key figures, including Tony Yang, who was recently arrested while attempting to flee the country. Tony Yang admitted to using forged documents in business transactions, and more witnesses are expected to testify as the investigation progresses.
