Admin bets warn vs ‘China influence’ on polls

Candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate alleged Friday that China is attempting to influence Congress through pro-Beijing candidates in the upcoming May midterm elections.

ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo, a frontrunner in the senatorial race, warned of coordinated foreign interference aimed at installing a legislature that would align with Beijing's agenda and undermine Philippine sovereignty.

"Obviously, it appears China wants a Chinese-controlled Senate, a Chinese-controlled House of Representatives," Tulfo said. "It's in the hands of the Filipino people, our voters. If you want a Chinese-controlled Senate and House of Representatives, then you know what's going to happen."

Tulfo claimed the Chinese campaign extends beyond disinformation to include espionage, surveillance, and psychological operations. He said while attention is focused on Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a more immediate threat is unfolding within the country's institutions.

Meantime, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino presented documents linking the Chinese Embassy to covert political operations, including the hiring of troll farms through the Makati-based firm InfinitUs Marketing Solutions.

He cited intelligence suggesting orders from Beijing were being funneled through the embassy and amplified online by fake Filipino profiles.

"The direction of what to do comes from China, not just from here in our country," Tolentino said. He displayed a check allegedly issued by the Chinese Embassy to InfinitUs. "What more proof do we need?"

Tolentino called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to summon the Chinese Ambassador, calling the alleged interference "a heinous and shocking violation of our sovereignty."

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos assured the public that the Alyansa Senate slate is united in defending the country’s sovereignty. "It's clear to everyone that the Alyansa team is pro-Philippines. The sovereignty of the Philippines is important," Abalos said.

On the other hand, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, citing intelligence reports, warned of Chinese nationals conducting surveillance around Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, the U.S. Embassy, and other critical facilities.

"Yes, it’s actually scarier than we think," Lacson said. He also cited cyberattacks on government agencies, including the Office of the President and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

"Our firewall needs to be looked at carefully," Lacson said, urging the government to strengthen cybersecurity measures.