Senators want China envoy summons, threat assessment over alleged poll meddling

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senators are calling for a heightened response to the National Security Council’s (NSC) report on alleged Chinese interference in the upcoming midterm elections, including the summoning of China’s ambassador and a comprehensive threat assessment.

In separate statements on Friday, April 25, lawmakers crossing party lines voiced concern over revelations made during Thursday’s Senate hearing, where the NSC disclosed that Beijing allegedly uses “local proxies” such as social media influencers to spread its messaging and garner support for pro-China candidates.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros urged the NSC, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the Commission on Elections to pursue further investigations, emphasizing that “foreign interference during elections is an election offense.”

“Malacañang must also summon the Chinese ambassador,” Hontiveros said, referring to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

She also pressed for the passage of the Foreign Interference Bill, filed by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino. It seeks to penalize people engaged in foreign interference - either independently or in collusion with foreign entities - with life imprisonment and fines of up to ₱10 million.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed the call for vigilance, urging the NSC to conduct a “thorough threat assessment and ensure that effective countermeasures are in place.”

“We must safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect our country at all costs,” Villanueva said.

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

However, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada expressed skepticism, recalling the controversy involving former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, who was discovered to be a Chinese national amid investigations into her links with offshore gaming operations.

“Minsan na tayong nabudol ng isang Alice Guo. Matuto na tayo. Dapat maging mapanuri rin ang publiko sa pagpili ng mga kandidato at alamin ang kanilang credentials at personal backgrounds,” he said.

[Translation: We were once deceived by an Alice Guo. It's time we learn our lesson. The public should also be discerning in choosing candidates and take the time to verify their credentials and personal backgrounds.]

Malacañang has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the alleged Chinese interference operations, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been briefed on the issue.