Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday urged Filipinos and public officials to remain vigilant against foreign influence, particularly in discussions concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stressing that the country's national interests should prevail over narratives being advanced by other countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the call after Defense Secretary Gilberto 'Gibo' Teodoro Jr. said some Filipino politicians may be receiving support from China to amplify narratives that undermine the Philippines' claims in the WPS. Castro, however, emphasized that specific politicians should not be publicly identified until the allegations have been thoroughly investigated.
Castro stated, "Kung particular na politician kung mayroon man ay hindi naman agad-agad ito dapat na maisiwalat at kailangan pa nang masinsinang pagpapaimbestiga (If there is a particular politician involved, that should not immediately be disclosed, and a thorough investigation is still necessary)," during a Palace briefing.
Teodoro earlier informed lawmakers that authorities suspect certain politicians may be receiving financial support from Beijing, although credible evidence may be challenging to establish. He suggested that financial authorities would be better positioned to examine possible financial links.
Furthermore, Castro highlighted that concerns over foreign influence extend beyond individual politicians. She pointed to previously reported Chinese-linked social media networks allegedly pushing anti-Philippine and pro-Duterte content. She also cited a study by a University of Santo Tomas journalism student that identified Chinese social media accounts allegedly disseminating anti-Philippine content.
Castro stressed the importance of Filipinos maintaining a unified position in protecting the country's interests. She noted that differences in opinion are not the issue, but public officials should not allow foreign interests to determine their positions on the WPS or other parts of Philippine territory.
"Hindi po dapat na magpagamit sa ibang bansa para lang manatili sa puwesto (They should not allow themselves to be used by another country just to remain in office)," Castro remarked. She added, "Mahirap po na ang maging lider natin ay hawak ng ibang bansa dahil ibang naratibo at ibang interes ang palalawigin ng mga politiko na hawak ng ibang bansa (It would be difficult if our future leader is controlled by another country because politicians controlled by another country would advance a different narrative and different interests)."
Teodoro's allegations come amid ongoing tensions over competing claims in the South China Sea, where China's expansive claims overlap with Philippine maritime entitlements. The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its maritime entitlements in the WPS.
