‘Alarming’ report on China poll interference for thorough probe – Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang assured the public on Friday, April 25, that a thorough investigation will be conducted on China’s alleged operations aimed at influencing the results of the midterm elections.

“Ito po ay talagang nakakaalarma at paiigtingin pa po natin, sa utos na rin po ng ating administrasyon, na imbestigahan nang malalim para malaman po natin kung anuman ang katotohanan patungkol po dito,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

[Translation: This is truly alarming, and we will intensify, as directed by our administration, the conduct of a thorough investigation so that we can determine the truth regarding this matter.]

“Nakarating na po ito sa pangulo kaya po kailangan po talaga ng maagaran, mas malalim na pag-iimbestiga,” she added.

[Translation: This has already reached the president, which is why an urgent and deeper investigation is truly necessary.]

During a Senate hearing on Thursday, the National Security Council (NSC) revealed indications of Chinese state-sponsored operations aimed at interfering in the upcoming elections. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that “local proxies,” mainly composed of social media influencers, are amplifying China’s messaging to boost the candidacies of pro-China candidates.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has dismissed the allegations, stating that Beijing has “no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”

This is the latest in a series of alleged Chinese espionage activities in the country, including the arrest of suspected spies and the recovery of underwater drones off Philippine waters - amid disputes in the West Philippine Sea.