2-9-2024 (MANILA) The recent scandal involving former Bamban mayor Alice Guo has ignited concerns of potential discrimination against Chinese-Filipinos, locally known as Chinoys or Tsinoys, in the Philippines. As tensions between Manila and Beijing escalate over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Guo case has become a flashpoint for growing anti-Chinese sentiment.
Guo, believed to be a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, fled the Philippines in August whilst facing multiple investigations for alleged connections to crime syndicates and the now-banned Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos). Her escape has sparked outrage among Filipinos, with social media awash with memes and videos criticising her purported links to the controversial online casino industry.
Historian Meah Ang See, a Chinese-Filipino herself, revealed to The Straits Times that some Tsinoys have already experienced what she terms “microaggressions” from fellow Filipinos. These incidents include teasing about personal connections to Guo or involvement with Pogos.
“We’re not Pogos. We are living our lives as Filipinos. We definitely are Filipino citizens. We are legal. We are not involved in crime,” Ang See emphasised, highlighting the community’s frustration at being conflated with recent Chinese immigrants or those involved in illegal activities.
The Tsinoy community, numbering approximately 1.2 million and constituting about 1 per cent of the Philippines’ population, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Chinese influence has significantly shaped Philippine cuisine, culture, and traditions, with the world’s oldest Chinatown, established in 1594, located in the heart of Manila.
Despite these deep-rooted ties, anti-Chinese sentiments have surged in recent years, fuelled by Beijing’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. The Guo case has exacerbated these tensions, leading to uncomfortable confrontations for some Tsinoys.
Kimberly Mas, a Tsinoy broadcaster, shared an incident where her cousins were accosted in a shopping mall by a Filipino man asserting ownership of the West Philippine Sea before fleeing. Such encounters have left many Tsinoys questioning their position in Philippine society.
Dr Sidney Bata, Chinese studies programme director at Ateneo de Manila University, suggests that these incidents reflect growing distrust towards China rather than outright racism. A March 2024 survey by OCTA Research revealed that 91 per cent of Filipino respondents distrusted China, a significant increase from 58 per cent in 2022.
“I don’t think it’s racism. I think the conversations now are only having undertones of it because people are becoming distrustful (of China) first. People are angry by these things happening (in the South China Sea),” Dr Bata explained.
Recent maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines, including obstructions of Philippine supply ships and a skirmish resulting in injury to a Filipino soldier, have further inflamed tensions.
As the manhunt for Guo continues and geopolitical frictions with Beijing persist, Tsinoys hope their fellow countrymen will focus on facts rather than ethnicity when discussing these issues. Ang See emphasised the importance of separating the Chinese ethnic heritage of law-abiding Tsinoys and Chinese nationals from the actions of individuals involved in illegal activities.
“When you say that anything Chinese is now illegal, what about us Chinese-Filipinos? What about the Chinese nationals who are following our laws? It’s like you’re lumping everyone together,” she noted, calling for a more nuanced approach to the complex issue.
