Malacañang said it is investigating allegations that Chinese authorities may be influencing Chinese-language media in the Philippines to advance Beijing’s narrative.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordination Center (CICC) to verify reports of unlawful or manipulative activities.
“Matagal na pong nababalita na may ibang bansa na nakikialam sa ating politika,” she bared.
Castro warned that disinformation targeting national interests will not be tolerated and urged the public to remain vigilant.
“Ang nais po natin ay transparency, masabi ang katotohanan at ito rin po ang ating magiging bilin sa ating mga kababayan – maging mapanuri, magkaisa po tayo. Ang dapat po nating ipaglaban at ingatan at proteksyunan ay ang interes ng ating bansa at hindi interes ng ibang bansa,” she said.
The Palace statement follows claims by non-profit group SeaLight that the Chinese Embassy is allegedly directing Chinese-language media in the country to push Beijing’s narrative.
Officials said the probe underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding transparency, protecting national interests, and ensuring that public discourse remains free from foreign manipulation.