A National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) official told a Senate panel on Tuesday that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping in her real name, is considered an "agent of influence."
During the hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, NICA Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo explained that Guo’s activities align with what is typically associated with agents of influence, a term often used during the Cold War.
"Within historical context, given that these activities have been common, especially during the Cold War, the activities and the facts that have come to light so far in this committee and other committees, especially in the House [of Representatives], point to the fact that she is [an agent of influence]," Acedillo said.
"Even in discussions within the intelligence community, there is a consensus that indeed she is an agent of influence," he added.
Although the Philippines has no law defining an "agent of influence," Acedillo clarified that Guo’s actions fit the description.
"What is applicable on the part of Ms. Guo Hua Ping is that she uses her influence, her stature or her position to influence public opinion or decision-making to produce results beneficial to the country whose services they benefit from. To that effect that is applicable to her and therefore she may be classified as such," he explained.
However, Acedillo noted that Guo has not been officially classified as a spy or foreign intelligence agent.
Senator Risa Hontiveros had previously raised concerns that Guo might be working as a Chinese spy.
In an October documentary by Al Jazeera, self-confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang claimed Guo was an agent of China’s Ministry of State Security and had once asked him for campaign funds.
Guo has denied these allegations, accusing She of using her for media attention.
