MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called for intensified investigation and internal reforms in government agencies following reports of another foreign national allegedly posing as a Filipino — a case now being dubbed the “Alice Guo of Manila.”
“Nobody should be able to purchase being a Filipino,” Hontiveros said, expressing alarm but not surprise over the latest incident.
She noted that the Senate’s past hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and the identity of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo revealed how official Filipino documents were being sold and misused for illicit activities.
“Tila matagal na itong kalakaran, at kailangan na ng seryosong aksyon (This has clearly been happening for a long time, and it’s time for serious action)," Hontiveros said.
The senator urged law enforcement to pursue those involved in the illegal sale of government-issued IDs to foreign nationals.
She also called on key agencies — particularly the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Foreign Affairs — to examine their ranks and remove corrupt personnel if necessary.
“Dapat bigyang-prayoridad ng gobyerno ang paglinis sa mga dumi at kalat na iniwan ng mga POGO (The government must prioritize cleaning up the mess left behind by POGOs)," she said.
Hontiveros has been pushing to tighten safeguards against identity fraud and foreign interference in public institutions. (PNA)