Kiko warns vs foreign-funded troll ops

Former senator and senatorial candidate Kiko Pangilinan has raised alarm about what he calls “foreign-funded and foreign-instigated” troll operations aimed at spreading fake news to manipulate Filipino voters and undermine the country’s democracy.

“There are foreign forces trying to influence our elections and take away our waters,” Pangilinan warned, referring to the growing threat of disinformation campaigns. His comments come after a bombshell Senate hearing that linked the Chinese Embassy in Manila to an online disinformation network in the Philippines. Documents revealed that a local marketing firm, Infinitus Marketing Solutions, had allegedly been paid P930,000 to operate troll farms spreading pro-China propaganda and attacking public officials.

“Truth has no color. But lies do — and that color is red,” Pangilinan added, calling out China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea and its role in spreading disinformation.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Angeles City, Pampanga on 23 April, Pangilinan stressed the importance of being vigilant against the spread of fake news, especially with the midterm elections approaching. He echoed the call of his fellow Cabalen, Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales Jr., urging voters to be critical of online information.

Pangilinan, who has been a target of disinformation himself, urged voters to stay informed and share their knowledge on how to spot fake accounts.

“I agree with our Cabalen, Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales Jr. He reminded Filipino voters to be discerning and not fall victim to fake news,” he said.

This warning comes in the wake of a Reuters report that revealed fake social media accounts were responsible for much of the online chatter surrounding the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The report highlighted that roughly one-third of the discussion came from fake accounts, raising concerns that troll networks are in full swing ahead of the May 2025 elections.

Pangilinan, who has been a target of disinformation himself, urged voters to stay informed and share their knowledge on how to spot fake accounts. “Let’s not be deceived. Let’s convince others not to fall into these traps, especially when foreign-funded and foreign-instigated forces are trying to influence our politics,” he said.

He reminded the public that these troll operations go beyond online noise — they are part of a larger agenda to divide and weaken the country, particularly in the context of the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Having been personally attacked by trolls, Pangilinan shared his own experience of online manipulation. He recently became the target of a viral disinformation campaign, with fake videos and edited clips mocking him. He pointed out that the attacks were “well-orchestrated” and “well-funded,” highlighting that many of the accounts involved appeared to be from foreign sources.