By ANNA FELICIA BAJO, GMA Integrated News
Senator Francis Tolentino called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to summon China's envoy to the Philippines amid the pronouncement of the National Security Council that there were indications that the Asian superpower is interfering with the Philippine midterm elections.
''Kaya ako hinihiling ko sa DFA, kay Sec. Manalo, I call upon the good Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon today, Biyernes ngayon, the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to explain this interference in our domestic affairs which is a clear transgression of our sovereignty,'' Tolentino, who is running for reelection under the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas, said in a briefing.
''Isang karumal dumal at nakakahindik na pagyapak sa ating kalayaan,'' he added.
Tolentino revealed documents linking the Chinese Embassy to supposedly covert political operations, including the hiring of troll farms through the Makati-based firm InfinitUs Marketing Solutions.
The other administration-backed candidates also voiced their sentiments on the issue.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned that the scale of the interference could be deeper. He cited reports of Chinese nationals caught conducting surveillance around Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, and other critical facilities.
“Yes, it’s actually scarier than we think,” Lacson said.
“Let’s look beyond this election. May nahuli ‘yung NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines na several Chinese and Filipinos na nag-iikot sa Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, U.S. Embassy, and other installations. Nahulihan ng mga equipment,'' he added.
ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo said foreign interference is ''real and coordinated.''
“Obviously, ang lumalabas, parang gusto ng China ay Chinese-controlled Senate, Chinese-controlled House of Representatives,” Tulfo said.
“Kaya nasa kamay po ng tao, ng Pilipino, ng mga botante natin. If you want a Chinese-controlled Senate and House of Representatives, then alam niyo na ho what’s going to happen,” he added.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, meanwhile, assured the public that the 11-member Alyansa Senate slate stands united in defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Malinaw sa lahat na ang team ng Alyansa ay pro-Philippines. Importante ang sovereignty—ang soberenya ng Pilipinas,” Abalos said.
In a separate statement, former Senator Manny Pacquiao said the country's future must not be dictated by foreign powers or influence.
''Your vote is for the Philippines, not for any interfering outsiders,'' Pacquiao said.
''Let us set aside our divisions and remember who we are. Tayong lahat ay mga Pilipino. We are bound by a shared vision kahit ano pa kulay at partido natin sa pulitika. We are all dreaming to build a peaceful, strong, and independent nation,'' he added.
He also called on Filipinos to guard our freedom not only with laws, but with unity and vigilance.
Malacañang has expressed alarm over the pronouncement of the National Security Council that there are indications that China is interfering with the 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
The matter has already reached President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a media briefing.
Castro added that the reported interference would be investigated.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
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