By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Thursday presented documents linking the Chinese Embassy in Manila to a covert online disinformation campaign in the Philippines, by allegedly tapping a local marketing firm.
During the continuation of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones’ public inquiry into reported espionage activities in the country, Tolentino claimed the Chinese Embassy paid about PHP930,000 to Philippine-based Infinitus Marketing Solutions to create and operate troll farms.
The keyboard warriors were tasked to spread disinformation, attack Philippine government officials, and promote pro-China narratives under fake social media profiles, he said, citing contract details and bank transfer information.
Tolentino, who chairs the panel, showed monthly reports allegedly submitted by Infinitus to the Chinese Embassy, which included screenshots of troll posts, names of social media accounts, and metrics, such as engagement reach.
One report claimed more than 50,000 Filipinos were drawn into online interactions with these fake accounts – some impersonating teachers, overseas Filipino workers, and community members.
“Ito pong kontrata at kabayarang ito ay pagyurak sa dignidad ng mga Pilipino (This contract and payment undermines Filipinos’ dignity),” he said.
“They manufacture fake social media content against the Philippine government’s policy, pretending to be motivated about concerns about peace in the region. What you are doing is wrong, and we will not accept it.”
He also disclosed that the same troll operations were used to attack President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly after the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Law in November 2024.
He also cited the recent discovery of a submersible drone off the coast of Barangay Inawaran, San Pascual, Masbate as part of the evidence of China’s intelligence-gathering efforts.
“So, all of these incidents showed one thing and intention, which is to gather information about our people, about our armed forces, and about our defenses. That is why they (Chinese) are doing espionage,” Tolentino said. (PNA)
