HOUSE Special Committee on Bases Conversion Chairman Jay Khonghun of Zambales on Wednesday urged the government to file criminal charges—including cyber libel, espionage, sedition and even terrorism—against the so-called Filipino “wumaos” spreading pro-China propaganda at the expense of Philippine sovereignty.
“Wumaos are not just online trolls. They are dangerous enablers of foreign aggression,” said Khonghun, a member of the Young Guns bloc in the House of Representatives whose province faces the West Philippine Sea.
“If their actions cross the line into aiding the enemy, spreading disinformation, or sabotaging national interest, they must be held criminally liable,” Khonghun, a House Assistant Majority Leader, added.
The term “wumao” comes from the Chinese phrase “wu mao dang,” or “50-cent party,” referring to individuals paid to post pro-government propaganda.
In the Philippines, wumaos have been observed defending Chinese incursions, downplaying harassment of Filipino fishermen and attacking the Armed Forces and the government online.
Khonghun said the government cannot allow Filipino citizens to act as mouthpieces for a foreign power, especially as tensions in the West Philippine Sea escalate.
His call comes as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed it is monitoring 20 vloggers linked to disinformation campaigns.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said these vloggers are being tracked for spreading fake news targeting government officials and stoking political unrest.
He added that the NBI is also investigating possible funders and leaders behind the vloggers.
Khonghun said treason is difficult to prove, but other laws could apply.
These include the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Anti-Espionage Law, provisions in the Revised Penal Code on sedition or inciting rebellion, and the Anti-Terrorism Act.
“Our laws exist to protect the Republic from enemies, foreign or domestic,” Khonghun said.
He continued, “If you’re a Filipino justifying China’s illegal actions, mocking our troops, and spreading lies, don’t hide behind free speech. You’re not an activist—you’re an accomplice.”
Khonghun said the fight for sovereignty isn’t just in the sea.
“It’s on social media, in our classrooms, in our news feeds,” he said.
Khonghun added: “We must not let traitors win the war of narratives. You are either for the Philippines or against it. There is no middle ground when it comes to defending our sovereignty.”
