Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Saturday called for stronger security measures across government agencies, warning that suspected Chinese sleeper agents could already be working within the government.
Speaking at a news forum in Quezon City, Tolentino said he believes individuals tied to foreign intelligence operations may have slowly risen through government ranks, potentially reaching director or assistant secretary levels.
“In every sector, there could be sleeper cells,” Tolentino said.
“We don’t know yet how deep it goes. It’s something that our security officials need to assess carefully,” he added.
Tolentino, who is running in the 2025 midterm polls, said the idea of long-serving government employees possibly acting as foreign agents is “surprising and worrying,” adding that it highlights the need for regular background checks even for veteran civil servants.
“It’s not about pointing fingers,” he said.
“It’s about making sure we are protecting our institutions and the people who rely on them,” he added.
Tolentino said his proposal for regular vetting isn’t aimed at creating suspicion among government workers but rather at strengthening trust in public institutions.
“There should be a fair, regular system of checking backgrounds, so we can be confident that the people serving our country are loyal to it,” he said.
Earlier this week, the National Security Council flagged possible meddling by China in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls.
“There are indications that information operations are being conducted… are Chinese state-sponsored in the Philippines and are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections,” NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said.
Moreover, Malacañang said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was informed about China’s alleged “meddling,” and the president ordered a swift investigation.
