Makati: Calls for accountability intensified Tuesday as Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Tolentino pressed for a deeper investigation into a Makati-based public relations firm allegedly operating a China-backed troll farm.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian urged the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and National Security Council to pursue a full-scale probe into the reported activities of InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. (IMSI). He emphasized the need for prosecution if the allegations are proven true, stating that charges of treason and other serious criminal offenses should be considered against those involved.
Gatchalian's call to action comes in response to Tolentino's revelations during a Senate hearing on Monday. The hearing exposed new documents that allegedly detail IMSI's contract with the Chinese embassy for social media operations. Tolentino pointed out that IMSI's denials were inconsistent when juxtaposed with these documents.
One particular document, written in Chinese, outlined a PHP930,000 agreement for 'project publicity guidance.' This amount corresponded with a check from the Chinese embassy dated September 11, 2023. IMSI co-founder Paul 'Pin' Li acknowledged the check's authenticity but claimed the funds were intended for Covid-19 supplies. Tolentino, however, challenged this claim, noting the pandemic's declared end in 2022.
Further scrutiny was placed on IMSI's operations as Tolentino criticized the absence of Myka Poynton, IMSI's Filipino co-founder, from the hearing. He also highlighted that another incorporator, Christine Li, was excused due to cancer treatment. Despite these absences, Tolentino alleged that troll operations remain ongoing, referencing a recruitment notice from IMSI's Makati office seeking TikTok users with at least 200 followers, which Li confirmed was genuine.
In efforts to curb foreign interference in Philippine elections and safeguard national sovereignty, travel records presented at the hearing showed multiple visits to China by IMSI officials. Li defended these visits as personal trips, not related to official business.
