A high-stakes congressional investigation in the Philippines uncovers a web of criminal enterprises, with former mayor Alice Guo now linked to Chinese espionage and election interference. Despite fleeing to Indonesia amid allegations, she was extradited to Manila, facing scrutiny from Senator Risa Hontiveros over connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
During a recent hearing, Guo was confronted with evidence from an Al Jazeera documentary featuring a Chinese betting kingpin jailed in Thailand, implicating her in illicit activities. The kingpin claimed Guo solicited funds for her campaign and is identified as a Chinese national with ties to the Communist Party. The case raises concerns about foreign infiltration into Philippine politics.
Police keep watch outside a court in Metro Manila during a scheduled appearance by Alice Guo on September 20. Photo: EPA-EFE