Alice Guo loses cool over ‘Chinese spy’ allegations

National

DISMISSED Bamban Mayor Alice Guo exhibited an unexpected shift in demeanor as she confronted serious allegations in a recent hearing at the House of Representatives.

Known for her calm and cheerful presence, Guo seemed to have lost her cool when Rep. Cheeno Almario presented a video from Al Jazeera featuring Chinese national She Zhijang, who claimed to have funneled funds to Guo's election campaign.

The video sparked heated discussions about Guo's alleged Chinese identity, Guo Hua Ping, and her purported connections to a hometown in Fujian, China, located near a Chinese Communist Party office.

Almario emphasized the gravity of the claims, noting that the documentary provided a new perspective on Guo's background and activities, separate from ongoing investigations.

When asked about She Zhijang, she vehemently denied knowing him and expressed her desire to file a lawsuit against him while asserting her love for the Philippines.

However, Almario countered her claims by pointing out the credibility of the source, suggesting that She’s statements were driven by a desire to expose the truth, as he himself is currently incarcerated in Thailand.

This exchange marked a notable escalation in the hearing, as Guo’s usual calmness gave way to agitation and frustration.

Rep. Margarita Nograles observed Guo’s emotional state, pointing out the stark contrast to her typical demeanor.

“Galit po ako eh, kasi po ganito rin ‘yong nangyari last time, sinasabi po nila spy ako, mahal ko po ang Pilipinas. Filipino po ako, hindi po ako spy,” Guo said, explaining her sudden outburst after the video was played.

She questioned Guo’s rationale behind wanting to sue someone she claimed not to know.

The hearing, which forms part of an ongoing investigation into illegal activities associated with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), has seen Guo maintain her innocence regarding any involvement in POGO-related operations in Bamban.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has accused her of having ties to Baofu, a company linked to the land where a POGO was raided, but Guo has consistently denied these claims.(CMM)