The Senate has summoned Makati-based advertising firm InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. to attend its next hearing on foreign espionage and interference, scheduled for Monday, May 5.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino confirmed on Thursday that invitations were already sent, saying the goal is to reinforce the country’s democratic institutions. “We may not be able to make it bulletproof, but we can make democracy stronger in our country,” he said.
InfinitUs is expected to address allegations of a questionable agreement with the Chinese embassy in 2023, which allegedly involved deploying social media “keyboard warriors” to promote pro-Beijing narratives amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The firm has been given the chance to refute or clarify its role in the controversy.
Tolentino emphasized the need to modernize Philippine laws to confront digital-era espionage. He suggested stiffer penalties for those found guilty and even proposed making certain offenses non-bailable. He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about how digital platforms and gadgets are being used—sometimes unknowingly—by foreign elements to destabilize Philippine democracy.
Responding to questions about troll farms allegedly working with foreign interests, Tolentino said their operators could be held criminally liable.
Tolentino also disclosed that some operators receive direct instructions from Chinese embassy officials and report engagement metrics back to them.
