A top official from the National Security Council (NSC) warned that China may be interfering in the Philippines’ 2025 midterm elections. 

Appearing before a Senate inquiry on April 24 investigating Chinese espionage activities, NSC’s assistant director general Jonathan Malaya confirmed the unsettling possibility: Beijing could be dipping its toes into the electoral process.

During the hearing, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino pressed Malaya on whether Chinese operations were allegedly backing specific candidates. Without hesitation, Malaya answered affirmatively.

“There are indications that information operations are being conducted, are Chinese state-sponsored in the Philippines and are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections,” Malaya said.

When asked if these operations were specifically bolstering favored candidates and undermining others, Malaya responded: “Yes, there are indications of that.”

Malaya detailed how narratives originating in Beijing were finding their way into the Philippines through so-called “local proxies”.

“The script from Beijing, they say it in the Philippines. We can see that. For example, the Balikatan exercises are happening right now. So, you will see narratives coming from Beijing that the Balikatan exercise is a threat to regional peace and stability, and you’ll also hear that kind of statement coming from local proxies who follow this script coming from Beijing,” he explained.

He further revealed that the NSC had already identified some of these local proxies and even the candidates allegedly receiving Beijing’s support. However, Malaya declined to disclose names, citing security reasons. He hinted that financial assistance might also be involved.

“We have seen that, that’s one of the tricks of the trade, so it’s perfectly possible that there is money involved here,” he said.

National Security Council’s assistant director general Jonathan Malaya (middle) said during the recent Senate hearing that China is allegedly interfering with the Philippines’ upcoming midterm elections.

Beijing denies allegations 

China quickly denied any wrongdoing. At a press conference on April 24, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun asserted: “China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”

Guo’s brief rebuttal came in response to media queries regarding Malaya’s testimony before the Senate.

Investigation underway 

The controversy has since reached the highest levels of government. Presidential Communications Office’s undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has been briefed and has ordered a full investigation.

“This is truly alarming, and we will intensify, also on the order of our administration, a thorough investigation so that we can find out the truth about this,” Castro said in Filipino during a press briefing on April 25.

While Castro said no additional intelligence had yet been provided, she stressed that authorities were committed to “an immediate and deeper investigation”.

“Right now, we have been told that it will be investigated first so that we can know what other details there are and what is involved in this type of incident,” she added.

Troll farm allegations surface 

The Senate hearing also uncovered explosive claims of a Chinese embassy-funded troll farm in Manila.

Tolentino presented evidence suggesting that the Chinese embassy had contracted a local marketing firm, InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, to manage online operations against the Philippine government and pro-sovereignty Filipino figures.

“These troll farms were engaged not only to openly provide information and convey the policies of the Chinese government but also to act as a covert disinformation and influence operation against the Philippine government and the Filipino people,” Tolentino said in a statement last week. 

He claimed that InfinitUs signed a “service agreement” with the Chinese embassy in August 2023, which included providing “keyboard warriors” to manage issue management projects.

Tolentino revealed that the alleged operation involved 330 Facebook and 30 X accounts managed by 11 individuals. These fake profiles amassed over 53,000 real followers, amplifying their reach.

“So, this means that the accounts appearing on Facebook are not real people. These are trolls. Unfortunately, our fellow Filipinos are being misled,” he said.

One troll comment cited during the hearing attacked President Marcos, insinuating he could become a dictator like his father. Another justified China’s opposition to the Maritime Zones Law, suggesting it “worsens” conflict with Beijing.

A mock-up check worth P930,000 (US$16, 535) allegedly issued by the Chinese embassy to InfinitUs, was presented as evidence. Tolentino described it as part of a “sinister” effort to manipulate Filipino public opinion.

“This is not normal public relations, it’s not a normal PR campaign,” he stressed. 

Senators condemn alleged interference  

Several Philippine senators also issued statements condemning the alleged foreign interference.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada called the reports “a serious affront to our national sovereignty and the integrity of our electoral system”.

“The sanctity of the ballot must be protected at all costs… Although China has denied the accusations, our concerned government agencies must thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those attempting to influence our democratic process, whether they are foreign entities or local collaborators,” Estrada emphasized.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, urged the NSC and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to dig deeper into the allegations, and called for Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador for an explanation.

“Any Filipino also found to be colluding with foreign powers must be held accountable,” she said. “This is a serious national security concern that undermines the integrity not just of our national elections, but also of our democracy,” she added. 

She urged Congress to fast-track the passage of the proposed Foreign Interference Act, warning that this would not be the last election in which China, or any other state, could meddle in.

Senator Joel Villanueva also voiced concern, saying: “We must safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect our country at all costs.”

The stakes could not be higher. The Philippines 2025 midterm elections on May 12 will decide 317 congressional seats, thousands of local government positions, and 12 Senate seats.

The allegations come against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly over disputes in the West Philippine Sea. With democratic integrity at risk, the spotlight now falls on Philippine authorities to safeguard the coming elections against any form of external meddling.

All photos credit: Senate of the Philippines

Top photo: During a Senate hearing, Senator Francis Tolentino presented a copy of a check, allegedly issued by the Chinese embassy to InfinitUs Marketing to discredit the Philippine government.