Lawmakers on Monday called on Filipino voters to reject pro-China candidates in the upcoming May midterm elections, citing Beijing’s escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V made the call after reports that a Chinese vessel deployed a sonic device against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Zambales.
The device, which emits deafening noise, poses serious risks to the health and safety of Philippine personnel.
Describing the incident as “an audacious act of aggression,” Ortega warned that continued tolerance of China’s actions would endanger the country’s sovereignty.
“This is no longer just about the West Philippine Sea—it’s about our future as a nation,” Ortega said.
“Supporting candidates who are soft on China is the same as endorsing the harassment of our Coast Guard and the exploitation of our natural resources,” he added.
The lawmaker emphasized that China’s aggression is not only a territorial issue but also an economic one.
“This is about oil, gas, and fish that belong to Filipinos. Electing leaders who sell out our patrimony for political gain is a betrayal of our nation,” he pointed out.
Ortega urged voters to treat their ballots as a weapon of defense against foreign encroachment.
“A vote for pro-China candidates is a vote against the heroes who fought for our independence, the fishermen fighting for their livelihood, and the Coast Guard risking their lives to protect our seas,” he said.
Similarly, House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales warned against the dangers of electing leaders who will compromise national sovereignty in the face of China’s illegal incursions.
Khonghun, the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion chairman, pointed to recent surveys showing a growing number of Filipinos opposing China’s aggressive actions in Philippine waters.
Specifically, a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute revealed that 73 percent of Filipinos would not support candidates perceived to be pro-China, reflecting a nationwide sentiment of distrust towards the foreign power.
Similarly, an OCTA Research survey in March 2024 found that 76 percent of Filipinos view China as the country’s “greatest threat,” underscoring deep-seated concerns over territorial integrity and national security.
He added that Filipinos must elect leaders who will stand firm against China’s continued harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and its unlawful activities in the WPS.
“We must choose leaders who will defend our territorial rights, not those who will bow down to China’s influence,” he said.
Meanwhile, at the Upper Chamber, Senator Francis Tolentino filed a proposed measure aimed at penalizing foreign interference in the Philippines’ political and governmental processes.
“The increasing concern of the government regarding potential foreign interference in the Philippines’ political and governmental affairs has prompted a deeper examination of the tactics and objectives employed by some wicked state actors,” he stated in the bill.
“These actors have been infiltrating key areas of the bureaucracy, media and critical infrastructures, thereby threatening the nation’s national security, political stability, and sovereignty,” Tolentino added.
Senate Bill 2951 seeks to modernize the country’s outdated legal framework on foreign agents, which has not been updated since 1979, and outlines penalties for individuals and entities engaging in foreign interference, including life imprisonment and fines ranging from P5 million to P10 million.
Those who conspire, assist, or protect individuals committing foreign interference could face up to 12 years in prison and fines between P2 million and P5 million.
“Overall, the proposed legislation underscores that even the planning of foreign interference can incur penalties, thereby reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting democratic processes from external influence,” he continued.
Government officials found guilty of involvement will face maximum penalties and permanent disqualification from public office.
Foreign offenders, meanwhile, will be deported after serving their sentences and permanently banned from re-entering the Philippines.
