NSC flags potential Chinese election interference

The National Security Council (NSC) flagged potential interference by China in the upcoming Philippine elections during a Senate hearing on Thursday, raising alarms among political groups and prompting calls for urgent investigation.

Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed that there are indications of Chinese state-sponsored information operations interfering with the May elections, citing narratives amplified by local proxies as an example.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed these claims on Thursday, stating that China has no interest in interfering in Philippine elections and adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs.

The administration senatorial ticket Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas expressed alarm over reports of possible foreign interference, calling it a threat to national integrity and urging authorities to investigate these claims urgently.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino presented a contract between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Makati marketing firm Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc., allegedly hiring 'keyboard warriors' to spread pro-China messages during the election period.

The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Friday emphasized that any foreign interference in the May 12 elections is a direct violation of national integrity, urging authorities to swiftly investigate and hold accountable those involved to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process.