Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is accompanied by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos inside a room at the Royal Star Aviation hangar in Pasay City shortly after her arrival on September 6, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763622552149172561585610320240906-alice guo-arrival-presscon-MT-2.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo is accompanied by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos inside a room at the Royal Star Aviation hangar in Pasay City shortly after her arrival on September 6, 2024. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo&#x27;s conviction — for qualified human trafficking — should speed up passage of legislation against espionage, Mamamayang Liberal Party-List Rep. Leila De Lima, author of one of those bills, said Thursday.</p><p>The government has voided Guo&#x27;s birth certificate over questions on her true identity and nationality, as well as over allegations she is an asset of Beijing.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/11/20/pasig-court-finds-alice-guo-others-guilty-of-human-trafficking-over-tarlac-pogo-0938"><strong>Alice Guo found guilty of qualified human trafficking over Tarlac POGO<br/></strong></a></div><p>The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator compound in Bamban town also raised security concerns because of the suspected presence of Chinese nationals and other foreigners there.</p><p>In a statement, De Lima welcomed Guo&#x27;s conviction as a step towards justice for victims of human trafficking.</p><p>&quot;Relatedly, we are also calling for the urgent passage of our proposed Anti-Espionage Act,&quot; she also said.</p><p>&quot;As we know, espionage today is not limited to shadowy operatives meeting in alleys. It comes disguised as business investments, online gaming hubs, recruitment agencies, students, telecom partnerships, and even public officials.&quot; </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/30/-mission-nila-chinese-sleeper-agents-meant-to-gather-info-on-ph-politics-analyst-1606"><strong>‘Mission nila’: Chinese sleeper agents meant to gather info on PH politics — analyst</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>ANTI-ESPIONAGE BILL</strong></div><p>De Lima filed House Bill No. 1844 in July to revise provisions in the Revised Penal Code to impose heavier penalties and expand coverage.</p><p>Under her proposal, espionage can be done by entering, or having or helping someone enter, a military facility to get information, photographs related to national defense and security, military training, or equipment could be punishable with up to 20 years in prison and a fine of between P20 million to P30 million pesos.</p><p>Having this information because of one&#x27;s public office and disclosing it to a &quot;representative of a foreign nation, foreign national or to criminal syndicates&quot; to the detriment of the Philippines would also count as espionage.</p><p>Under the current definition, espionage only covers providing sensitive information &quot;to a representative of a foreign nation.&quot;</p><p>If the person found guilty of espionage is a government official or employee, they will be sentenced to the maximum penalty and will be disqualified from public service.</p><p>The bill also lays out penalties for aiding espionage and hiding or facilitating the escape of spies.</p><p>Under De Lima&#x27;s bill, the government will confiscate any property used in the commission of, or in furtherance of, espionage.</p>

<p>Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo's conviction — for qualified human trafficking — should speed up passage of legislation against espionage, Mamamayang Liberal Party-List Rep. Leila De Lima, author of one of those bills, said Thursday.</p>

Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo's conviction — for qualified human trafficking — should speed up passage of legislation against espionage, Mamamayang Liberal Party-List Rep. Leila De Lima, author of one of those bills, said Thursday.

Alice Guo’s conviction a reminder to tighten law vs espionage — De Lima

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Alice Guo’s conviction a reminder to tighten law vs espionage — De Lima

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 20, 2025 03:15 PM PHT

|

Updated Nov 20, 2025 03:53 PM PHT

Read More:

Alice Guo

Leila De Lima

Mamamayang Liberal

Espionage

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.