China sponsors seminars for pro-Duterte vloggers

Former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles admitted during a House tri-committee hearing that China sponsors seminars abroad for pro-Duterte vloggers from the Philippines.

Deputy Speaker David 'Jayjay' Suarez questioned Cruz-Angeles about the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, showing a photo of attendees including Cruz-Angeles and other pro-Duterte vloggers.

Cruz-Angeles confirmed that the Chinese government covered all expenses for the seminar from May 23 to June 5, 2023, in China, which introduced new techniques in social media such as short-form videos.

Mark Anthony Lopez also confirmed his participation in the seminar and said he gained an understanding of how China's media works, while Cruz-Angeles downplayed its impact on her political views.

The House committee continues to investigate disinformation and fake news, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address misinformation.