Senators Hontiveros, Tulfo Condemn Chinese Officials’ Remarks, Call for Probe into Disinformation

Philippine Senators Demand Investigation into Chinese Disinformation Campaign

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo have issued strong condemnations against what they describe as increasingly hostile rhetoric from Chinese diplomatic channels directed at Philippine officials, highlighting growing tensions between the two nations amid territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

In a fiery statement delivered during a Senate session, Senator Hontiveros called for a formal investigation into alleged Chinese disinformation operations targeting the Philippines. She expressed particular concern about the tone and content of recent communications from both the Chinese Embassy in Manila and the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“The escalating diplomatic rhetoric is not merely a matter of international relations, but potentially represents a coordinated attempt to undermine Philippine sovereignty through information warfare,” Hontiveros said. “We cannot allow foreign powers to manipulate public discourse on matters of national security.”

Senator Tulfo, known for his straightforward communication style, echoed these concerns, characterizing the Chinese statements as “unacceptable diplomatic behavior” that violates international norms of respect between sovereign nations.

The senators’ rebuke comes amid heightened tensions following several incidents in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The Philippines has increasingly asserted its territorial claims based on a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the region. China has consistently rejected this ruling.

Relations have deteriorated further in recent months after several confrontations between Philippine vessels and the Chinese Coast Guard in areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. These incidents have included allegations of dangerous maneuvers, water cannon use, and harassment of Philippine fishing and supply vessels.

The diplomatic friction has intensified on social media platforms, where analysts have noted an uptick in coordinated messaging that appears to support Chinese territorial claims while criticizing Philippine maritime activities.

Security experts who monitor disinformation in Southeast Asia have identified patterns suggesting organized information campaigns targeting Filipino audiences. Dr. Maria Santos, a cybersecurity specialist at the University of the Philippines, noted that “these operations often employ sophisticated techniques, including the use of seemingly authentic local accounts to disseminate narratives that undermine Philippine sovereignty claims.”

The proposed Senate probe would examine not only state-sponsored messaging but also potential covert influence operations across social media platforms. Hontiveros specifically mentioned Facebook (now Meta) as a key channel where such activities have been detected.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has previously warned about the security implications of foreign information operations, describing them as “part of a broader spectrum of hybrid warfare that includes economic pressure, diplomatic isolation, and military intimidation.”

The Philippines has strengthened its security partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Australia in recent years, partly in response to growing Chinese assertiveness in regional waters. The country has also increased its defense spending and modernization efforts for its naval and air forces.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has maintained that the Philippines seeks peaceful resolution of maritime disputes but remains firm on protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Diplomatic channels between Manila and Beijing remain open despite the rising tensions.

Regional observers note that the Philippines’ more assertive stance represents a significant shift from the previous administration’s approach, which had sought closer economic ties with China while downplaying territorial disputes.

As the Senate considers Hontiveros’ call for an investigation, diplomatic watchers are closely monitoring whether this will trigger further escalation in rhetoric or potentially lead to more substantive dialogue between the two nations on managing their complex relationship.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has not yet issued a formal response to the senators’ statements.