Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial bets on Friday called on Filipinos to reject candidates perceived to be aligned with China and instead vote for “pro-Philippines” leaders, warning of rising Chinese interference in the West Philippine Sea and even in the upcoming elections.
“Malinaw sa lahat na ang team ng Alyansa ay pro-Philippines,” said former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos during a press conference in Pangasinan. “Importante ang soberanya ng Pilipinas … lahat po [kami sa Alyansa] ay pro-Philippines, tandaan n’yo po ‘yan.”
The appeal comes in the wake of alarming reports of increasing Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, which has continued to affect local fisherfolk, as well as what the Alyansa candidates described as foreign interference in domestic affairs.
Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino cited intelligence reports and documents allegedly showing China’s coordinated efforts to influence the May 2025 midterm elections by supporting pro-China candidates and attacking those seen as anti-China.
“Gusto nilang ma-repeal ‘yong [Maritime Zones] law, wala ng oversight no’n kung repealed na, hindi na ipapatupad,” Tolentino said, referring to Republic Act No. 12064. “So tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang banta, hindi lang pambu-bully, maging kanila na ‘yon.”
He said the Chinese Embassy in Manila issued orders days after the maritime law was signed in November 2024, triggering waves of online attacks against government officials.
Tolentino also urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon the Chinese ambassador, calling the interference “isang karumal-dumal at nakakahindik na pagyapak sa ating kalayaan.”
Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, backed Tolentino’s revelations and emphasized the importance of legislative oversight.
“Hindi lang mga bill na ipapasa mo. Importante ‘yong naipasa mo dati ay mag-oversight function ka doon. Tingnan mo kung ine-execute ng tama katulad ng 2024 Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” he said.
In the same forum, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned that the issue runs deeper than elections, as he raised concerns over data breaches in government agencies and recent arrests involving Chinese nationals suspected of spying near military installations.
“Ito eleksyon lang ito, lilipas ito. But there is something deeper,” Lacson said. “Ang ibig ko pong sabihin, pinakialaman tayo ng China, pati itong eleksyon na ito.”
For his part, ACT CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo directly warned voters about the stakes and emphasized that they must be discerning at the polls.
“Kung gusto natin ng Chinese-controlled Senate at House of Representatives, then alam niyo na ho what’s going to happen. Magiging sunod-sunuran po tayo,” he said.
