‘Affront to democracy’: Senators urge further probe into China’s election 'interference'

Several senators on Friday slammed China’s alleged interference in the 2025 national and local elections in the Philippines and called for further investigation, considering its threats to national sovereignty and security. 

In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said any potential security threats and foreign interference in the midterm polls “constitute a serious affront to our national sovereignty and the integrity of our electoral system.” 

“The sanctity of the ballot must be protected at all costs… Although China has denied the accusations, our concerned government agencies must thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those attempting to influence our democratic process, whether they are foreign entities or local collaborators,” Estrada said. 

“We will not tolerate any foreign interference in our internal affairs. We demand respect for our sovereignty and the right of every Filipino to freely choose their leaders— free from any intimidation, manipulation, or coercion,” he added. 

Estrada also recalled the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo who was able to win an electoral position despite questions on her citizenship and identity. 

“Minsan na tayong nabudol ng isang Alice Guo. Matuto na tayo. Dapat maging mapanuri rin ang publiko sa pagpili ng mga kandidato at alamin ang kanilang credentials at personal backgrounds,” he reminded. 

To recall, Guo was accused of being an agent of China’s state security by a self-confessed Chinese spy in a documentary published by Al Jazeera. 

The cellmate of confessed Chinese spy She Zhijiang told a Senate investigation last October 2024 that the campaign of Guo during the 2022 elections was "arranged by Chinese state security."

Senator Francis Tolentino called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to summon China's envoy to explain.

"I call upon the good Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon today the Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to explain this interference in our domestic affairs which is a clear transgression of our sovereignty,'' said Tolentino, who is running for reelection under the Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Earlier, he revealed documents linking the Chinese Embassy to supposedly covert political operations, including the hiring of troll farms through a Makati-based firm.

In a separate statement, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the National Security Council and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to investigate the reported interference in Eleksyon 2025 further.

Apart from the security agencies, Hontiveros said the Commission on Elections must investigate as well, explaining that foreign interference during elections is an election offense. 

Further, Hontiveros urged Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines amid these reports. 

“Any Filipino also found to be colluding with foreign powers must be held accountable. This is a serious national security concern that undermines the integrity not just of our national elections, but also of our democracy,” she said. 

In Congress, Hontiveros said the Senate should also work on passing the Foreign Interference Act into law “because this will not be the last elections that China, or any other state, could meddle with.” 

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed the call, saying that any foreign interference, especially in the elections, “is an affront to our democracy.” 

“The National Security Council should conduct a thorough threat assessment and ensure that effective countermeasures are in place. We must safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect our country at all costs,” he said. 

Earlier in the day, Malacañang expressed alarm over the pronouncement of the National Security Council (NSC) that there are indications that China is interfering with the 2025 Philippine midterm elections.

The matter has already reached President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said in a media briefing

At the Senate inquiry on China's submersible drones and alleged espionage activities in the Philippines, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed that there are “indications” that China is interfering with the Philippines' midterm elections.

China denied the NSC’s report, saying they have “no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”—LDF, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.