PAOCC Probing Elected Chinese Nationals Amid “POGO Mayor” Scandal

October 11, 2024 Philippines Crime & Legal

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has initiated an investigation into reports suggesting that several Chinese nationals are occupying local elective posts in the Philippines. This inquiry follows the controversy surrounding the so-called “POGO Mayor” Alice Guo, who was found to be a Chinese citizen.

Gilbert Cruz, the executive director of PAOCC, announced on October 10, 2024 that the commission has been receiving numerous messages from concerned citizens about local officials who may not be Filipino. Cruz emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, highlighting that decisions should not be made solely based on a person’s name or nationality.

“We need to validate because we will be unfair if we say that because the official has a Chinese name, that’s the situation,” Cruz was quoted as saying in a report published by the Philippine Star. This approach reflects a careful consideration of the complexities involved in determining eligibility and identity in the political landscape.

The issue was notably raised by Senator JV Ejercito during a recent news forum. Ejercito expressed his concerns after encountering local officials who did not appear to belong to the Filipino-Chinese community. He called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to closely monitor candidates who might be misrepresenting their identities in upcoming elections.

Cruz acknowledged that there could be more officials like Guo across the country. He cited a recent investigation revealing the issuance of thousands of birth certificates in Davao del Sur, indicating potential identity fraud. Cruz noted that around 1,000 Chinese citizens had obtained new identities through questionable birth certificate registrations. “So over 1,000 are being probed just on birth certificates in one province,” he said.

This investigation highlights broader concerns about election integrity and the qualifications of candidates seeking public office. The PAOCC is committed to uncovering any fraudulent activities that could undermine the electoral process.

In the wake of this investigation, the PAOCC is also likely to collaborate with other government agencies, including the Bureau of Immigration and the National Bureau of Investigation, to gather comprehensive evidence and insights. This multi-agency approach will enhance the effectiveness of the probe and facilitate a more thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding these allegations.

Public reaction to the investigation has been mixed. Some citizens express relief that authorities are taking these issues seriously, while others worry about potential racial profiling and the implications of scrutinizing officials based solely on their names. As Cruz noted, the investigation must be careful not to jump to conclusions without solid evidence.