ABS-CBN
Company accused of trolling asks Tolentino: Be circumspect in accusation
Senator Francis Tolentino is investigating allegations that InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, a PR firm, contracted with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to operate a troll farm in 2023.
Tolentino presented a P930,000 check from the Chinese Embassy to InfinitUs as evidence of a potential service agreement.
InfinitUs CEO Paul Li, a Chinese citizen, denied the allegations during a Senate hearing, stating the check was payment for an event promoting Philippines-China understanding.
Li also stated that any alleged contract for managing public opinion and spreading pro-China sentiments was not authorized by InfinitUs.
InfinitUs legal counsel Roberto Labe, Jr. asked Tolentino to be circumspect in his accusations, emphasizing the potential impact on diplomatic relations.
Tolentino suggested that InfinitUs directors and incorporators could face treason and espionage charges for allegedly collaborating with a foreign government to undermine the country's sovereignty.
The senator explained that such actions, even in the digital space, constitute treason as they betray the nation.
🤖
This story was generated by AI to help you understand the key points. For more detailed coverage, please see the news articles from trusted media outlets below.
News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
The Philippine Senate has summoned Makati-based InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. to a hearing on May 5 regarding allegations of a 2023 agreement with the Chinese embassy to conduct pro-Beijing social media campaigns, including deploying "keyboard warriors" or trolls.
Read more →
InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. has vehemently denied allegations of having a contract with the Chinese Embassy to hire trolls and spread pro-China narratives.
Read more →
Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Tolentino are pushing for a thorough investigation into InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. (IMSI), a Makati-based PR firm accused of operating a China-backed troll farm.
Read more →
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino suggested that Chinese diplomats could be expelled from the Philippines if the ongoing Senate investigation into foreign interference uncovers conclusive evidence of their involvement.
Read more →