InfinitUs: Tolentino should be circumspect in his allegations

InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. on Tuesday said Senator Francis Tolentino should be “circumspect” in his allegations, saying this could affect relations between the Philippines and China, and after the senator said the firm could face treason charges for what he called "collaborating with a foreign government."

InfinitUs’ legal counsel Roberto Labe Jr. made the remark when asked if they are planning to seek legal actions against Tolentino as Paul Li— the firm’s incorporator, who joined the same press conference— cried foul over the allegations. 

“It is also his duty to protect the Philippines but what we are trying to do here is, he must be a little bit circumspect because this is not just an ordinary accusation. It involves diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines,” Labe said at the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City. 

“We have other right agencies that must have handled this case like our DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs],” he added. 

During a recent Senate investigation into submersible drones and alleged Chinese spying activities in the Philippines, Tolentino brought up the public relations firm, alleging it was contracted by the Chinese Embassy to hire trolls to advance pro-China narratives in the Philippines.

As of the moment, InfinitUs is “not yet thinking of filing a case” as they are reviewing their actions further. 

Facing the media, Li lamented that thee allegations have affected not only their business, but also their families. 

““This issue has gone far beyond business and has impact to our client… to our team, and most painfully affected the emotional and metal well being of my wife, my partners, and our families who have had to go through harsh and deeply personal attack online,” Li said. 

Li also divulged “concerns” about their safety due to the defamation they receive online which he said they are taking “seriously.” 

“Politics is not my war. I am just a regular businessman and I truly hope that all of this ends soon so I can go back to doing what I know—running my business and serving my clients. And most of all living a quiet and peaceful life with my family,” Li said. 

Li's wife, Christine Bergantinos Li, is another incorporator of InfinitUs and is currently undergoing cancer treatment in China. 

Li said he went back to the Philippines to clear the allegations against his company, but that he wasn’t able to clarify the allegations during the Senate investigation into alleged Chinese espionage activities last Monday because he was “denied” of the chance to speak. 

“Yesterday’s Senate hearing was supposed to be a venue for truth… that I would only deny everything. Yet, I was not given a fair chance to explain or speak for myself. That’s why I am here now, not because I want, but because I have to…after this I have no interest further media exposure,” he said. 

Supporting his client’s statement, Labe said InfinitUs “does not engage into any form of politicking.”

Li also stated that social media was not part of their contract with the Chinese Embassy.

The embassy was just “one of [their] clients” as they also cater to automotive and technology corporations, Labe added. 

“We do not deny that part of the PR thing that the corporation is doing is really to enhance more understanding and cooperations between Philippines and China,” he said, citing Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU), which was attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as one of the events they organized.

Labe said InfinitUs will “fully cooperate” with government agencies that will come to them for investigation.

'Not doing anything against PH'

On Tolentino’s possible recommendation of treason and espionage charges against InfinitUs, Labe said it might not qualify in the elements of the crime under existing laws. 

“The elements of espionage as we can see in this case is not present at all…We are not giving any security information and in fact, what was being alleged by the good senator is that we are a keyboard warrior,” he said. 

Aside from espionage claims, Labe said they are not “doing anything against the Republic of the Philippines” for InfinitUs to be charged with treason. 

InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. was alleged by Tolentino in the Senate investigation to have entered into a contract with the Chinese Embassy in Manila to hire “keyboard warriors” in 2023. 

The senator showed a check from Bank of China Manila Branch dated September 11, 2023 which paid P930,000 to InfinitUs.

InfinitUs denied that they were contracted by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to engage in trolling activities, but acknowledged receiving payment from them. 

“We are professionals. Our firm does not, and will never, engage in trolling, online harassment, or deception,” InfinitUs said, adding that they operate on a foundation of transparent, ethical, and data-driven communications. 

GMA News Online has reached out to Tolentino for comment. — BM, GMA Integrated News