PH officials link China to poll interference, troll operations

Metro Manila, Philippines - Philippine intelligence and security officials have revealed efforts by the Chinese government to influence the outcome of the May midterm elections, while a senator said the Chinese embassy financed online troll operations.

The revelations came during a Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones hearing on Thursday, April 24, which expanded beyond alleged espionage and into China’s continuing efforts to assert influence, particularly amid tensions over the West Philippine Sea.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the National Security Council (NSC) both confirmed that Beijing has been ramping up efforts to sway public opinion as part of its "united front" strategy.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the subcommittee, inquired whether there were attempts to influence the electoral discourse in favor of pro-China candidates.

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya answered in the affirmative.

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

He added that China’s messaging has been echoed by “local proxies,” or Filipinos allegedly collaborating with Beijing.

“Kung ano yung script na nanggagaling sa Beijing, yun din naman ang sinasabi nila dito sa Pilipinas [Whatever script comes from Beijing, that’s what they’re saying here in the Philippines],” Malaya said.

He later told reporters that the list includes around 10 social media influencers, though he did not name them.

China-backed trolls

Meanwhile, Tolentino revealed that China has operationalized online troll networks to advance its strategic interests in the Philippines.

During the Senate hearing, Tolentino presented a check worth ₱930,000, allegedly issued by the Chinese embassy in Manila to a Makati-based marketing solutions firm for running so-called “keyboard warrior” operations.

According to documents, the company created hundreds of fake social media accounts to disseminate content aligned with Beijing’s messaging. These included attacks on the deployment of the US Typhon missile system in the Philippines and criticism of officials who have taken strong stances against China.

An accomplishment report showed that the troll network had amassed over 50,000 followers who actively engaged with the posts.

“Akala natin yun ang tunay na senitymento ng mga nagpopost at nagrereact subalit ito pala ay nagpapatunay na binayaran. Binayaran ng People’s Republic of China para sirain hindi lang ang kredibilidad ng isang tao o namumuno kundi ng ating bansa,” Tolentino said.

[Translation: We thought those posts and reactions reflected genuine public sentiment, but it turns out they were paid for - paid by the People’s Republic of China to undermine not just the credibility of an individual or a leader, but of our entire nation.]

Malaya supported the claim, saying the findings were “very consistent with how the People’s Republic of China operates.”

Malaya added that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has committed to probe the company involved.

When asked about holding the Chinese embassy accountable, Malaya deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs, citing diplomatic sensitivities.

NICA Deputy Director General Ashley Acedillo also urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate potential campaign violations linked to foreign interference.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the poll body had been briefed on the matter, adding that it, too, had been targeted by trolls attempting to undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the Chinese embassy for comment.