Manila LGU: Mayor only met accused spy during motorcycle turnover rites

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila City government on Monday said its mayor, Honey Lacuna, only met the accused Chinese spy once, or during the turnover ceremony of donated motorcycles worth P145,000 in 2022.

Lacuna’s spokesperson Princess Abante said the mayor met Wang Yongyi of Qiaoxing Volunteer Group Leader during that time.

“There were no prior or subsequent engagements between them,” Abante said in a statement.

READ: Palace to look into motorcycle donations by alleged Chinese spies

Wang was among five Chinese men detained by Philippine investigators in late January for allegedly gathering images and maps of Philippine naval forces in the West Philippine Sea, according to a Reuters report on Feb. 28.

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

Abante said the donation of Wang’s group consisted of nine 2016 models and one 2015 model of gasoline-fueled Sinski motorcycles, each valued at P14,500.00 or for a total amount of P145,000.00.

These were intended for the use of Manila Police District personnel, she said.

Furthermore, Abante said that “no additional donations, projects, or discussions took place with Wang or the group beyond the turnover of the motorcycles.”

She also clarified that the local government did not receive any cash donations from the group.

Malacañang on Monday said they are looking into the incident, lest it should occur again.