Manila: The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas has expressed serious concern over potential foreign interference in the upcoming May 12 elections. This follows revelations during a Senate hearing that pointed to alleged efforts by China to influence the election outcome in favor of candidates aligned with Beijing.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed during a session with the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones that Chinese state-sponsored groups are believed to be interfering in the upcoming elections. The allegations include the use of information operations and local proxies to amplify China's official narratives.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who chairs the panel, questioned Malaya about whether there was a pattern of interference targeting candidates with strong pro-sovereignty or anti-China positions. Malaya indicated that there are signs of such efforts, citing the example of messaging around the ongoing Balikatan military exercises, which China has framed as a threat to regional stability.

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas emphasized that such interference transcends political issues, framing it as a critical national security concern. They have urged authorities to conduct a prompt and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those involved, while safeguarding the integrity of the Philippine electoral process.

The coalition reiterated its commitment to the Filipino people's right to freely choose their leaders without external influence, stating, "Our future must be determined by us alone. We stand firmly with the Filipino people in defending our democracy."