Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the country’s intelligence and defence agencies to investigate claims linking former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo to Chinese espionage. These allegations were brought forward by She Zhijiang, a self-confessed Chinese spy currently imprisoned in Thailand. 

Gatchalian stressed the need for proper verification of these serious claims before any further action is taken, despite media outlets widely circulating the story. He warned that if the accusations are proven true, it would represent a significant breach of the country’s political system and national security. 

Growing concerns over foreign influence in Philippine politics 

The senator raised concerns about the extent of foreign infiltration in Philippine politics, questioning if more spies could have already penetrated the system. Gatchalian voiced fears about the potential for foreign actors to climb the political ranks and the serious implications this could have for future elections, including the risk of foreign interference through financial influence and support. 

National security at risk: Alice Guo’s alleged espionage ties 

New evidence has surfaced during a congressional investigation, linking Alice Guo to Chinese espionage activities in the Philippines. Led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, the investigation revealed connections between Guo and She Zhijiang, a Cambodian-Chinese businessman incarcerated in Thailand for illegal gambling operations. This development has intensified concerns about the potential for foreign powers to manipulate local elections and endanger national security. 

Guo has been accused of soliciting funds from She for her 2022 mayoral campaign, allegations she denies. Additional concerns have arisen over Guo’s association with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), some of which operate near military installations. In response, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has proposed stricter espionage laws and harsher penalties for espionage during peacetime. 

Scepticism over She Zhijiang’s testimony 

Despite the seriousness of the accusations, questions linger over the credibility of She Zhijiang’s testimony. Guo’s legal team has cast doubt on the reliability of the claims, given She’s criminal background. However, security experts caution against dismissing the allegations outright, as they may corroborate suspicions of POGOs being used for espionage purposes. 

Former Congressman Barry Gutierrez highlighted that a witness’s criminal history does not necessarily invalidate their testimony. He urged the investigation to continue, as the possibility of POGOs functioning as hubs for foreign intelligence gathering has become a central focus of the inquiry. 

The broader impact on national security and future elections 

The ongoing investigation has raised broader concerns about the security risks associated with POGOs, which have been linked to money laundering, human trafficking, and now espionage. Senators are calling for a comprehensive review of POGO operations, particularly due to their proximity to critical military sites. 

The potential for POGO-generated funds to sway future elections is also alarming lawmakers, with warnings about possible corruption and bribery at the highest levels of government. The investigation has also scrutinised Guo’s ties to other key figures, including Tony Yang, who was recently arrested while attempting to flee the country. Yang has admitted to using falsified documents in his business dealings, and more witnesses are expected to testify in the coming weeks as the investigation deepens.