Malacañang said it is investigating reports that suspected Chinese spies made several donations to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and some Local Government Units (LGUs).
In a Palace briefing on Monday, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro assured that the donations, which supposedly include cash and motorcycles, would be looked into exhaustively amid fears that they facilitated the infiltration of government offices.
“We are examining this, and if it is a donation in good faith, there is nothing wrong with accepting it,” she told reporters.
Castro cited examples during the pandemic when China provided ambulances and vehicles—particularly in Davao City under then Mayor Sara Duterte—noting that such donations were welcomed if properly executed.
But she emphasized that if any donation comes with ulterior motives, an investigation is warranted.
“If the donation appears to be given with a hidden agenda, then we must investigate it thoroughly. Officials who receive these donations should be made aware so that misuse can be prevented,” she said.
When asked about allegations that Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities have managed to cultivate deep connections within the PNP, Castro assured that such claims would not be ignored.
“The President will not let this go unchecked. If such news reaches us, it must be properly investigated and cannot be dismissed,” she said.
Castro declined to offer further details, saying the review is ongoing.
However, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Major General Nicolas Torre III said that PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered an inquiry into the matter to determine the details of the donations.
It was earlier reported that three Chinese nationals charged with espionage directed donations from socio-civic groups to the police units of the cities of Manila and Tarlac.
Meanwhile, House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales expressed concerns over some senatorial candidates’ silence on the growing threat of Chinese espionage in the Philippines.
The House Special Committee on Bases Conversion, stressed that national security should be a top priority for anyone aspiring to become a senator, with mounting evidence of intelligence-gathering operations linked to China.
“National security is a big issue, but why don’t they want to talk about it? The Senate is responsible for enacting national laws that will strengthen our defense. We should hear what their plan is for our safety,” Khonghun pointed out.
It can be recalled that authorities recently claimed to have dismantled an espionage ring operating in the country.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it busted a group using sophisticated surveillance activities targeting Malacañang, the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) compound, among others.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Palace says alleged Chinese donations to PNP under scrutiny.”