NBI investigates alleged Chinese election interference

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is tasked with building a case against individuals involved in alleged Chinese interference in the Philippines' May 12 midterm elections through disinformation campaigns.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that Senator Francis Tolentino presented evidence, including a P930,000 check from the Chinese Embassy to Makati-based InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc., indicating involvement in anti-government and pro-China messaging.

Malaya emphasized that the evidence appears legitimate and it is now up to the NBI to investigate and file charges if any wrongdoing is found.

House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega of La Union urged authorities to swiftly pursue criminal cases related to foreign interference, describing it as an attack on Philippine democracy.

Ortega warned voters about candidates with pro-China narratives and emphasized that Chinese money was allegedly used to fund troll operations spreading disinformation.