Alarm raised by pro-Marcos alliance over rumored Chinese information meddling in the 2025 elections

The Philippines is bracing for its 2025 midterm elections, and concerns over foreign interference have begun to surface. The House of Representatives has impeached the Vice President, and the administration's Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas has expressed alarm over potential foreign meddling.

The 2025 polls have turned into a face-off between the Marcos and Duterte clans, with both sides employing divisive campaign strategies. The Marcos campaign has portrayed the elections as a choice between his administration and a "dark" past under former President Duterte, while Duterte, prior to his arrest, campaigned by portraying the elections as a choice between his administration and a "dark" past under his opponents.

Recent reports suggest that Beijing's narratives are being spread on Philippine social media, amplifying divisive political discourse. Malaya and National Intelligence Coordination Agency Deputy Director General Ace Acedillo have both reported these findings. The Philippine government has identified the Chinese government as interfering in the elections by discrediting candidates critical of China and supporting those sympathetic to it. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) alleges that the Chinese embassy in Manila paid InfinitUs Marketing Solutions in 2023 to run a troll farm on Facebook and Twitter to spread disinformation and promote Chinese state interests.

These reports have raised concerns over national security. Undersecretary Castro described the issue as a matter of national security, and the Palace has also expressed its concerns. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya revealed indications of Chinese state-sponsored information operations trying to interfere with the May 12 elections during a Senate hearing.

Alyansa campaign manager Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco stated that the right of every Filipino to freely choose their leaders without manipulation, pressure, or foreign influence is non-negotiable. He urged the proper authorities to investigate these reports with urgency, hold accountable those responsible, and protect the sanctity of the elections.

While Marcos has seen his public approval and trust numbers slip dramatically in March, most of his Alyansa candidates remain in the probable winners' circle in the Senate race. However, the voters' preference ratings of Marcos' Alyansa candidates have been steadily decreasing, and the Vice President's trust and approval numbers have improved recently. The Vice President's father's Senate candidates have seen increases in their preference ratings ahead of the May 12 elections.

Tiangco also urged that any attempt to interfere in the election process is a direct violation of national integrity and must be condemned in the strongest terms. He emphasised the importance of upholding the democratic process and ensuring a fair and free election for all Filipinos.

The elections, scheduled for May 12, are expected to be a crucial test of the country's democratic resilience and its ability to withstand foreign interference. The Philippine government, political parties, and the public are all vigilant and committed to protecting the country's democratic institutions and ensuring a free and fair election.

Alarm raised by pro-Marcos alliance over rumored Chinese information meddling in the 2025 elections