Palace looking into China-donated gear

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said it was studying reports alleging the presence of  "spy bugs" in tools and equipment donated by China, which raised concern about potential espionage activities targeting the Philippine government.

In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said the Palace was also investigating reports of Chinese spies allegedly backed by officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“As of now, we will need to study that matter and determine whether the donations were done in good faith because receipt of donations is not illegal,” she said.

READ: Alleged China spies gave PH city, cops cash, motorbikes

Castro made these remarks after the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) began its investigation into reports that two police units in Manila and Tarlac received vehicles from Chinese nationals who were later linked to alleged espionage activities.

On Monday, the city government of Manila confirmed that its police force had received motorcycles from China.

But in a statement, the city government clarified that Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and donor Wang Yongyi of the Qiaoxing Volunteer Group did not have any further dealings following the donations. The group was named in a Reuters story last week about alleged Chinese spies in the Philippines.

Other LGUs

Castro also noted that “We have received reports that many LGUs (local government units) received ambulances, especially Davao City, during [Vice President Sara Duterte’s] tenure as city mayor.”

“Nothing is wrong about accepting donations if these are done in [good] faith. So, if these donations are being given out but with a different motive, then we need to find out from the officials who received these because we cannot just let them allow themselves to be used, in case they are unaware that they are being used,” she said.

Regarding reports that some military and police officials are connected with Chinese agents, Castro said, “The President will never allow this to go unchecked. He will definitely call for an investigation on reports like these.”

‘Pro-China’ bets

Meanwhile, two lawmakers have urged voters to be wary of senatorial candidates who have been silent about the threat of alleged Chinese espionage in the country and whose campaigns may be bankrolled by Beijing.

House Assistant Majority Leader Jefferson Khonghun stressed that senatorial candidates in particular should regard national security as a priority.

“This is a huge issue on national security, but why does it seem that nobody wants to speak about it? The Senate has the duty to craft laws to fortify the country’s defense. We should hear their plans for our safety,” Khonghun said in a statement on Monday.

House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega V criticized recent claims on Chinese social media that Palawan once belonged to China.

“They were previously claiming Scarborough Shoal, then built bases in the West Philippine Sea. Now, they’re targeting Palawan. And if we don’t think critically, we might wake up one day with Chinese structures in the province,” he said.

—WITH A REPORT FROM JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE

(2025/03/04-05:35)