DND Chief Wants Tougher PH Espionage Law in Response to Claims That Alice Guo is a Chinese Spy

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has recently emphasized the need to amend the Philippines’ espionage law, arguing that it should be applicable even during times of peace. His comments come amid rising concerns about national security, particularly following revelations involving alleged espionage activities linked to foreign nationals.

“Ang mahalaga ngayon parusahan natin ang espionage sa panahon ng peace kasi ang espionage law sa Pilipinas ay epektibo lamang during times of war,” Teodoro was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network. (The important thing now is to punish espionage in times of peace because the espionage law in the Philippines is effective only during times of war.)

He highlighted the urgency of addressing this legal gap, urging lawmakers to take immediate action. “So call to action din, alam naman na ng ating mga mambabatas, na agaran nilang amyendahan yung espionage law para maparusahan at makakilos ang gobyerno nang tama para sugpuin ito,” he added. (So it’s a call to action as well; our lawmakers know that they should immediately amend the espionage law to punish and allow the government to act correctly to suppress this.)

The discussion around the need for legal amendments intensified during a recent inquiry by the House QuadComm, where a documentary was presented, raising allegations against Alice Guo aka Guo Hua Ping, the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. During the session, the committee played an interview featuring She Zhijiang, a Chinese national reportedly detained on espionage charges. In his testimony, She expressed fears for his life should he be repatriated to China. “Guo Huaping, China cannot be trusted. The two of us dedicated our lives to China’s Ministry of State Security. Look at what happened to me,” She declared.

This inquiry has brought the issue of espionage to the forefront, especially as the Philippine government grapples with growing concerns over national security and foreign influence. Teodoro’s remarks point to a pressing need for legislative reform, as current laws do not adequately address espionage activities during peacetime.

In response to the allegations made against her, dismissed Mayor Alice Guo maintained her innocence. “Hindi po ako spy. Mahal ko po ang Pilipinas,” she stated emphatically. (I am not a spy. I love the Philippines.) Her insistence on her loyalty to the country comes amid a backdrop of legal troubles, including multiple charges ranging from graft to non-bailable human trafficking.

Guo is currently facing several cases in court including graft and a nonbailable qualified human trafficking charge. Other pending charges include a quo warranto case and a petition to cancel her birth certificate. Presently, she is being held at the Pasig City Jail, where her legal battles continue.

Read related article: Alice Guo Tagged as a “Chinese spy” in Al Jazeera Documentary