MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) welcomed the Manila Regional Trial Court’s decision declaring Bamban Mayor Alice Guo as “undoubtedly Chinese,” saying it significantly bolsters the government’s deportation case against her and strengthens the broader campaign to safeguard national sovereignty.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado described the ruling as a “major win” that affirms long-standing findings in the agency’s records, including Guo’s biometrics and immigration history, identifying her as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping.

“This case reveals how a foreign national was able to penetrate public office using false documents and a fabricated identity,” Viado said in a statement. “The Bureau has long initiated deportation proceedings against Guo. This court decision further cements our legal basis and supports the government’s ongoing efforts to protect our borders and institutions.”

The Manila court, granting a quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General, voided Guo’s mayorship and ruled that she was never eligible to run for public office. The court cited the absence of civil registry records for Guo’s alleged Filipino parents and fingerprint analysis from the National Bureau of Investigation confirming her identity as a Chinese citizen who entered the country in 1999 under a Special Investors Resident Visa.

“This case highlights the dangers of foreign infiltration and how it can threaten national security from within,” Viado said. “It is our duty at the Bureau of Immigration to detect, deter, and remove foreign nationals who misrepresent themselves to gain access to positions of power.”

Guo has been detained for nearly 10 months and is facing charges of qualified human trafficking, money laundering, and graft in connection with alleged scam operations in Bamban, Tarlac linked to a transnational criminal network.

Viado said the BI is committed to supporting ongoing investigations and ensuring that Guo is held accountable under Philippine law.

“We remain vigilant against all forms of identity fraud and foreign interference,” he said. “The Filipino people deserve leaders who are truthful, transparent, and legitimately Filipino.”