Probe of Bamban Mayor Guo ‘not a witch hunt’ against Chinese heritage, says Hontiveros

May 27, 2024 , 08:53 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(May 27, 2024) – Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday maintained that the purpose of the Senate’s hearings on Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is not an attack on Filipinos of Chinese heritage.

Guo is being investigated due to her alleged links to the illegal activities of two Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in Bamban. Her identity has also become a hot topic because of her inconsistent statements about her background.

But Hontiveros clarified that the inquiry is based on their legislative duty.

“This is not a witch hunt. This is not about politics. This is about national security, criminal activities, accountability in public service, the rights and welfare of women and children, and the structural failure of our system to regulate POGO as a business model,” said Hontiveros in a statement.

Some camps, however, complained that the hearings have become more of a personal attack on Guo, particularly her nationality. She was accused of being a Chinese spy.

It was also revealed that Guo’s parents, both registered as Filipinos, do not have birth records with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The PSA said there’s a “high possibility” that they do not exist.

Guo, who won the mayoral seat in Bamban despite having no previous political experience, claimed that she grew up in a hog farm.

ALSO READ: Human rights lawyer Diokno raises concern on lack of case filed vs. Bamban Mayor Guo

Earlier, Hontiveros raised the alarm about the widespread use of bogus documents by POGOs.

“Among these is the proliferation of fake identification documents from PhilHealth IDs to passports. At ang malala kay Mayor Guo, she is a public servant,” added Hontiveros.

Authorities found documents connecting Guo to Hongsheng Gaming Technology Incorporated and Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated. She, however, denied the links.

Amid the probe, Hontiveros reiterated her stance against discrimination.

“Hindi kailanman magiging katanggap-tanggap ang racism, xenophobia, at Sinophobia. Regardless of our heritage, all law-abiding citizens should not be the subject of hate and discrimination,” said Hontiveros.

(PM)

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