The Shadow of Chinese Influence: Philippine Mayor's Alleged Ties Raise Concerns

A Philippine mayor is embroiled in a growing scandal over her origins and allegiances, sparking accusations of acting as a Chinese asset amidst heightened territorial tensions in the South China Sea.

In a simmering scandal that has thrust Philippine-Chinese relations into the spotlight, Alice Guo, the 35-year-old mayor of Bamban, has been accused of acting as a Chinese asset. The allegations stem from a recent raid on an illegal online casino in Bamban, which uncovered a "scam center" staffed by hundreds of workers, including over 200 Chinese nationals.

Guo's ownership of half the land where the casino was located has raised eyebrows, prompting the nation's Senate to call her in for a hearing. During the hearing, Guo provided evasive and "opaque" answers to questions about her background, leading to suspicions that she is a Chinese asset.

These suspicions have been further fueled by irregularities in Guo's personal history. She registered to vote in Bamban just one year before running for mayor and won the election. Moreover, she only registered her birth certificate at the age of 17 and provided few details about her upbringing beyond attending homeschool in a pig-raising compound.

The allegations against Guo come at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Beijing has been asserting control over waters around the Philippines, leading to clashes between Chinese Coast Guards and Filipino fishermen.

In 2012, China established a claim to the Scarborough Shoal, prompting a Philippine protest that was eventually brought before a United Nations-backed tribunal. The 2016 ruling rejected China's historical claims on the shoal, but Beijing has refused to recognize the arbitration.

The incident has sparked concerns that the Philippines may be vulnerable to Chinese influence and infiltration. President Ferdinand Marcos has called for an investigation into Guo's citizenship, while senators have accused her of "coddling and protecting" illegal Pogos (Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators).

Guo has denied the allegations, claiming she is "not a coddler, not a protector of Pogos." However, the scandal has highlighted the growing rivalry between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea and has raised questions about Guo's true allegiances.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.