BONGAO, TAWI-TAWI – Former Senator Manny Pacquiao led a strong nationalist call amid growing concerns over foreign meddling in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections, urging Filipinos to reject any influence that threatens the country’s sovereignty—particularly from China.
Pacquiao condemned the reported use of Chinese troll farms and social media manipulation allegedly designed to sway Filipino voters.
“Huwag magpa-impluwensiya. Ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno ang kalayaan. Huwag natin itong isuko ngayon. Patunayan natin sa boto kung sino ang tunay na makabayan,” Pacquiao declared.
His remarks follow alarming reports from the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), which flagged ongoing state-sponsored disinformation campaigns linked to China.
These include more than 300 fake social media accounts allegedly contracted by the Chinese embassy to manipulate public perception.
A Senate investigation led by Majority Leader Francis Tolentino earlier revealed a cheque from the Chinese embassy to a local marketing firm believed to be behind these coordinated operations.
The goal: to promote pro-China candidates and discredit national figures advocating for stronger maritime defense and nationalistic policies.
Pacquiao stressed the urgent need to safeguard the Philippines’ democratic process.
He vowed to champion a nationalist policy and support the implementation of the country’s new maritime law—the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064)—which aims to strengthen maritime patrols, expand protection for fisherfolk, and assert Philippine jurisdiction in contested waters.
“Bansa natin ito, teritoryo natin ito. Hindi ito lugar ng pandayuhang interes. Ang atin ay atin!” Pacquiao said.
He firmly aligned himself with candidates defending the Philippine flag.
“Prinsipyo natin na dapat kaibigan at nakikipagtulungan tayo sa mga bansa sa mundo, pero hindi tayo papa-bully o papaapi. Hindi lang ito laban sa eleksyon—ito ay laban para sa ating kinabukasan bilang isang malayang bansa. Para sa Pilipino, para sa malayang Pilipinas.”