Electoral Campaign of Alice Guo was Allegedly “Arranged by Chinese State Security”

October 8, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

Alice Guo’s campaign when she ran for mayor in Bamban, Tarlac during the 2022 elections was allegedly “arranged by Chinese state security.”

This accusation was made by Wang Fu Gui, the former cellmate of She Zhijiang, who identifies as a Chinese spy. This revelation emerged during a Senate probe into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

She Zhijiang claimed in an Al Jazeera documentary that Guo is also a spy for the Chinese Ministry of State Security. He alleged that Guo solicited campaign funds from him during her run for office. The implications of these allegations are significant, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns about foreign interference in Philippine politics.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ team conducted a video teleconference interview with Wang Fu Gui, and the recorded session was presented on October 8, 2024 as part of the ongoing Senate investigation into illegal POGOs.

Wang described the contents of a declassified file related to Guo as substantial but noted that he could only disclose a portion of it. He referenced Guo’s alias, Guo Hua Ping, asserting that she had a spy background, though he emphasized that she was not a high-ranking operative.

“Guo Hua Ping was a spy but not a special one. It just so happens there is a copy of her state security background there. And her situation with Mr. She has a lot of similarities,” Wang was quoted as saying in a report published by GMA Network.

Wang’s comments indicated that Guo’s situation mirrors that of She Zhijiang, suggesting a network of espionage and influence involving Chinese nationals operating within the Philippines.

When questioned about the specifics of Guo’s alleged espionage activities, Wang asserted that such inquiries should be directed at She Zhijiang. He explained that overseas agents, including spies, often serve various roles, from intelligence collection to furthering the political and economic interests of the Chinese government.

Wang pointed out that overseas special agents include spies who “collect intelligence, many others work for the political and economic interests of the Chinese Government, such as officials and businessmen in some countries.”

The former cellmate of She Zhijiang underscored the connection between POGOs and espionage, suggesting that many businesses linked to these operations are involved in gathering intelligence and other activities that align with Chinese governmental objectives.

“The connection between POGOs and espionage is significant,” Wang stated. “The Chinese government has a vast intelligence network that integrates economic strategies with political influence. This includes initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which serve broader strategic goals.” His comments reflect growing concerns over foreign investments that may not align with national interests.

During the same interview, Wang identified an individual named “Ma Dongli,” claiming he is linked to the Communist Party of China and potentially serves as a handler for Guo. According to Wang, Ma is connected to Guo’s operations, further entrenching the narrative of a sophisticated espionage network. He described Ma as having dual identities and significant influence within the Thai-Chinese community.

Following the release of the Al Jazeera documentary, Wang claimed that She Zhijiang has faced severe repercussions from the Chinese government for exposing the allegations against Guo. He stated that She is currently under surveillance in a Thai prison, limiting his ability to communicate with the outside world. This situation highlights the risks faced by whistleblowers who expose sensitive information related to state security.

Alice Guo attended the Senate hearing where Wang’s testimony was presented but has yet to publicly address the new allegations against her. The Senate committee is prioritizing an executive session, delaying a comprehensive response from Guo.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who has been actively pursuing this investigation, expressed concerns about the implications of foreign involvement in Philippine governance. Her office attempted to reach out to She Zhijiang through the Philippine Embassy in Thailand but was denied for “diplomatic reasons.”

Previously, Guo has denied the accusations outlined in the Al Jazeera documentary. Her camp has also suggested the possibility of legal action against the news channel, asserting that the documentary misrepresented her.

In addition to these allegations, Guo is currently embroiled in legal troubles. She faces a qualified human trafficking case in a Pasig court, along with a graft case in Valenzuela related to her purported involvement in illegal POGO operations in Bamban. Furthermore, a quo warranto petition has been filed against her in Manila, seeking to cancel her birth certificate in Tarlac. Adding to her legal woes, Guo is also facing a tax evasion complaint and 87 counts of money laundering, as reported by the Department of Justice.