Bamban, Tarlac — Mayor Alice Guo vehemently denied allegations of espionage on Monday, clarifying her background by revealing that she is the “love child” of her father and a household helper. In a detailed statement delivered in Filipino, Guo also reaffirmed her loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines.
Addressing the allegations head-on, Guo firmly stated, “Wala po akong kinalaman sa ilegal na operasyon ng Pogo sa Baofu Compound na sakop ng aming munisipyo. At HINDI rin po ako espiya ng alinmang bansa kagaya ng ibinibintang,” which translates to, “I have no involvement in the Pogo operations in Baofu Compound that is within our municipality. And I am also NOT a spy for any other country as alleged.”
The mayor emphasized her disconnection from the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) operations, asserting that she had no involvement with the illegal activities at the Baofu Compound. However, she highlighted the economic benefits of the Pogo hub, stating that around 200 families were provided with jobs, enhancing their livelihoods.
“Ang pagkakaalam ko po ay mayroong opisina ang Pagcor doon mismo sa loob ng Pogo hub sa Baofu Compound upang subaybayan, bantayan at i-regulate ang takbo ng nasabing lisensyadong Pogo operator,” Guo added, meaning, “As far as I know, Pagcor has an office inside the Pogo hub in Baofu Compound to monitor, oversee, and regulate the operations of the licensed Pogo operator.”
Guo explained that her decision to allow the operation of Zun Yuan, a Pogo operator licensed by Pagcor, in her town was driven by her commitment to improve the lives of Bamban residents. She assured that Pagcor can monitor and address any illegal online activities and criminal acts conducted by operators like Zun Yuan.
Currently under investigation by the Senate, Guo faces scrutiny over suspicions that she might be a Chinese “asset” trained to infiltrate the Philippine government. Her responses during the Senate inquiry, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, raised concerns as Guo revealed she did not know her mother and only knew her father.
In response to these suspicions, Guo made a public appeal for her biological mother to come forward, hoping to dispel the doubts surrounding her background. “Alang-alang sa aking mga kababayan na nagtitiwala at nagmamahal sa akin ay buong tapang ko pong sasabihin na ako po’y isang LOVE CHILD ng mahal kong ama sa aming kasambahay,” she declared, which translates to, “For the sake of my countrymen who trust and love me, I will bravely admit that I am my father’s love child with our maid.”
She concluded with a heartfelt plea, “Sana nga po ay lumitaw na ang tunay kong ina at kanyang akuin ang pagluwal sa akin upang matigil na po ang mga pagdududa na ako’y isang espiya,” meaning, “I hope my mother surfaces and acknowledges her giving birth to me to put a stop to doubts that I am a spy.”
Guo’s revelation and appeal were made during an interview with journalist Karen Davila, aiming to clear her name and affirm her dedication to her role as mayor and to her constituents.