Malaca±ang: Malaca±ang has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations of China's interference in the upcoming Philippine midterm elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted concerns stemming from revelations by the National Security Council (NSC). Indicators have emerged suggesting that China might be meddling in the May 12 elections. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been briefed on these developments, prompting the call for a more in-depth probe.

'This is truly alarming,' Castro remarked during a press briefing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. 'It has already reached the President, so there really needs to be an immediate, more in-depth investigation,' she added.

Castro assured that the Palace is set to engage with the NSC to gain further insights into China's alleged intentions to influence Philippine politics. 'For now, what we have been told is that it will be investigated further so that we can know more about the details and what is involved in these types of incidents,' she stated.

The issue was brought to light during a Senate Special Committee hearing on maritime security. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya disclosed that 'Chinese state-sponsored actors in the Philippines are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections.'