Team Pilipinas Tayo
HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union on Sunday warned of a growing threat of foreign interference in the upcoming May midterm elections, as credible intelligence points to a state-sponsored effort by China to manipulate the polls and destabilize Philippine democracy.
Ortega’s statement followed explosive revelations from the National Security Council (NSC) during Senate hearings, which exposed an alleged covert agreement between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and a local public relations firm to operate a troll farm targeting Philippine institutions and the public.
“This is no longer just foreign influence. This is foreign interference—designed to infiltrate our politics, confuse our people, and weaken our country from the inside,” Ortega said.
He added: “May mga kandidatong tumatakbo ngayon na halatang may basbas ng banyagang interes. This is not just unacceptable. This is treasonous. Sa darating na halalan, we must reject Team China. Pilipinas dapat ang panalo, hindi ang banyaga. Team Pilipinas tayo.”
According to NSC officials, Chinese state-backed narratives are being amplified by local social media proxies who mimic Beijing’s rhetoric—attacking the Philippines’ defense exercises, undermining elected officials, and subtly conditioning public opinion ahead of the May elections.
“Let me be clear: kung may kandidato na kumakampi sa China habang inaangkin ang ating teritoryo, habang tinatarget ang ating militar at pamahalaan, hindi ‘yan lider. Hindi ‘yan makabayan. That’s a puppet, not a public servant,” Ortega said.
He condemned what he described as a “well-funded and well-orchestrated digital assault” against the Philippine electorate, noting that Chinese money was allegedly funnelled into troll operations that created fake online personas to spread pro-China messaging while attacking the President, members of Congress, the judiciary and the armed forces.
“Hindi ito simpleng online noise. This is an attack on our democracy. Binabayaran ang ating mga kababayan para siraan ang sarili nating bansa,” Ortega warned.
“Sinisira ng Team China ang tiwala ng mga tao sa halalan—at ginagamit pa ang ilang kababayan natin para gawin ito,” he pointed out.
He urged voters to stay vigilant and critical, especially of candidates who repeat anti-Balikatan, anti-EDCA or pro-Beijing narratives.
“May script na galing sa Beijing. At meron tayong mga lokal na tumutugtog ng script na ‘yan. The Filipino people must reject them,” Ortega said.
Calling for immediate action, Ortega pushed for the swift filing of criminal cases and the passage of stronger laws against foreign election interference.
“Hindi ito panahon ng katahimikan. Panahon ito ng paninindigan. We must act now—before foreign powers succeed in choosing our leaders for us,” Ortega said.
He vowed that Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, will do everything within its power to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and hold all collaborators accountable.
“Ang halalan ay para sa Pilipino. Walang lugar dito ang mga banyagang interes na nais tayong hatiin at pahinain. Hindi natin papayagan na ang kinabukasan ng bayan ay diktahan ng banyaga. Team Pilipinas tayo—buo, matatag, at handang lumaban,” Ortega stressed.
As the elections draw closer, Ortega said the people face a defining choice.
“The choice in May is simple: piliin natin ang tunay na maka-Pilipino, o hayaang ang China ang mamili ng mga lider natin. For the sake of our future, our freedom, and our flag—we must choose wisely,” Ortega said.
