Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers has called on Malacañang to investigate the alleged leasing of lands by several local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon to 85 Chinese-owned firms.
These firms are reportedly operating and exploiting coastal and agricultural towns in Bataan, Zambales, and Pangasinan.
The nature of these Chinese firms’ businesses remains unclear, but their activities have significantly impacted the livelihood of local fishermen.
Barbers, who chairs the House’s Dangerous Drugs panel and leads the House’s Quad Committee, stated that he received credible information from fishermen regarding the suspicious operations of these Chinese firms.
His appeal follows Malacañang’s directive to investigate allegations against arrested Chinese nationals Wang Ingyi, Wu Jaren, Cai Shaohuang, and Chen Haitao.
The suspects allegedly donated ten Chinese-made motorcycles worth $2,500 (₱144,800) each to the Manila Police.
Reports also surfaced that in July 2022, Wang was seen in a social media post handing over a ₱500,000 check as a “poverty alleviation bursary” to Tarlac City’s mayor and the local police force.
Barbers claimed that these “Chinese spies-invaders” employ tactics similar to those used in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, befriending local officials and offering aid to continue their illegal operations.
He also urged Malacañang to review the legal basis and protocols used by LGUs in allowing the leasing of government-owned shorelines and agricultural lands.
Barbers further condemned reports that two Chinese vessels had been docked in Palauig, Zambales, for three months without any action from agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
He suspects that the vessels may be involved in dredging, mining, smuggling, or drug trafficking activities.