MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has cautioned the public to remain vigilant against a potential “Manchurian candidate” who might be covertly manipulated by foreign interests, citing disinformation campaigns as a threat to Philippine national security.
During a press briefing on Friday, September 25, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that authorities have yet to determine the origins of rampant fake news, raising concerns that local figures could be funded by external entities.
“Hindi natin alam kung sino ang nasa likod nito, kung kapwa ba Pilipino natin ang nagsasagawa nito o kapwa Pilipino natin na binabayaran ng ibang bansa, para hindi man tayo magapi, physically, magagapi tayo through fake news,” Castro said.
Castro noted that foreign powers stand to gain if deliberate misdirection goes unchecked, particularly regarding sensitive matters such as Philippine territorial sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The interest of other countries will be expanded if we do not fight this,” she added.
Specifically warning against politicians or figures controlled by foreign governments, Castro urged citizens to critically evaluate the true loyalties of public personalities.
“Mag-ingat po tayo sa isang Manchurian candidate,” Castro said.
“Ngayon pa lamang po kilatisin ninyo na po ang mga Pilipino na hindi maka-Pilipino at hindi maka-Pilipinas, maging mapanuri.”
Addressing media relations, the Palace official called for a more coordinated and progressive collaboration between the government, traditional news outlets, and digital content creators to combat disinformation.
“Katulad ng ating sinabi, ang pagtutulungan lahat, local, mainstream, vlogger, PCO, Malacañang, lahat,” she said.
“Hindi lamang po ang Pangulo ang target dito, lahat tayo target dito.”