China may have planted more ‘Alice Guos’ in gov’t – Ejercito

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator JV Ejercito claims to have met Chinese nationals who have been elected to local government positions, aside from dismissed Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac.

“Because of the situation again of the West Philippine Sea with China, yung ating conflict, baka mamaya – pinaplantahan na tayo ng mga agents nila who will run as officials,” Ejercito said during the Kapihan sa Senado press conference on Wednesday.

[Translation: Because of the situation in the West Philippine Sea with China, our conflict might lead to them planting agents who will run as officials.]

“May mga ilan akong nameet na nakapasok na (I have met some who have infiltrated our government),” he added.

Ejercito did not name names but said some are councilors and mayors. He added that party-list candidates should be monitored, noting that it seems anyone can run as a nominee.

“I came from a Chinese school, I can distinguish yung accent tsaka yung itsura ng mga talagang those who are really Chinoys – yung talagang dito na pinanganak, at dito na lumaki at yung mga talagang China man na tinatawag, yung talagang dayo lamang,” he explained.

[Translation: I came from a Chinese school, so I can distinguish the accents and the appearance of those who are truly Chinoys—those who were born and raised here—and the ones who are really just from China, the newcomers.]

Asked if the Senate should investigate alleged Chinese officials in local government, Ejercito said this could be pursued in the future.

For now, he said the Commission on Elections should scrutinize those who have filed their candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections.

He also urged the government to address loopholes in late birth registration, which are believed to be a pathway for foreign nationals to obtain Filipino citizenship.

Guo, whose fingerprints matched those of Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, has been accused of serving as a spy for China.

This allegation was recently supported by documents from gambling tycoon and self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang, a claim that Guo continues to deny.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said it is investigating the matter. On Tuesday, NICA deputy director general Ashley Acedillo called on government agencies to exercise “prudence and due diligence” in dealing with China amid its “malign activities.”