Malacañang warned Filipino public officials against allowing foreign governments to influence them in exchange for political longevity, taking aim at individuals who echo Beijing’s assertions in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking during a news briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that politicians must not compromise national integrity for political leverage.
“Hindi po dapat na magpagamit sa ibang bansa para lang manatili sa puwesto,” Castro said.
Castro acknowledged that the Executive branch has long kept an eye on these developments, though any specific allegations would first need to be formally substantiated.
“Kung particular na politician kung mayroon man ay hindi naman agad-agad ito dapat na maisiwalat at kailangan pa ng masinsinang pagpapaimbestiga pero ang issue po na ito ay matagal na po itong napapansin actually,” she explained.
Her statement follows remarks by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who suggested that certain local politicians might be receiving foreign backing from China to advance its agenda within disputed waters.
Addressing the scope of the issue, Castro cautioned against making treason accusations hastily, pointing out that legal parameters for treason apply during wartime.
“Pag-aralan po natin. So, hindi po natin alam kung hanggang saan ang extent; mahirap pong sabihin kasi ang treason nangyayari po ito kapag mayroong war,” Castro clarified.
The Palace official warned that leaders swayed by foreign powers risk promoting agendas directly opposed to the nation’s best interests.
“Mahirap po na ang maging lider natin ay hawak ng ibang bansa dahil ibang naratibo at ibang interes ang palalawigin ng mga politiko na hawak ng ibang bansa,” she stated.
Concluding her remarks, Castro reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s core message from his State of the Nation Address, urging Filipinos to maintain a unified posture regarding the country’s sovereign rights.
“Isa lang ang bansa natin, hindi po tayo dapat nagkakaroon ng pagkakahiwa-hiwalay ng opinyon at suggestion patungkol sa ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea o anumang parte ng ating bansa,” she emphasized.
“Dapat nating ipaglaban ang lahat ng interes ng bansa pati na ng taumbayan, ng mga Filipino,” Castro added.