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Vote Wisely: Experts Warn Against Pro-China Candidates In 2025 Elections
Antonio Carpio File
As the 2025 elections draw closer, defense and foreign policy experts are sounding the alarm: Don’t vote for candidates who prioritize China’s interests over the Philippines.

During a discussion hosted by the Stratbase Institute, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and other experts warned about “Manchurian candidates”—politicians backed by China who, once in office, work to advance Beijing’s agenda rather than protect the country’s sovereignty.

Beware of “Manchurian Candidates”

Carpio explained that China funds certain candidates during elections to ensure they have allies in power. These candidates, once elected, may downplay or even dismiss the Philippines’ rightful claims over the West Philippine Sea (WPS)—something the country won legally in the 2016 arbitral ruling.

"We've seen this before," Carpio said. "Certain leaders, after getting elected, suddenly start echoing China’s narratives—saying the arbitral ruling is just a scrap of paper or that the Philippines has already lost the West Philippine Sea. These are the statements China wants to hear.”

While he didn’t name specific politicians, Carpio hinted that some strong allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte—who was widely criticized for his pro-China stance—are now suddenly switching sides because it’s election season.

"They’re now wearing shirts that say ‘West Philippine Sea’ as if they’ve always defended it. But voters should look at their track record. If China has a hold on them, they will eventually show their true colors."

China’s Election Influence & Disinformation Campaigns

Carpio and other experts also pointed out how China uses disinformation to manipulate public opinion.

"They launch social media campaigns to defend certain politicians, while also trying to make Filipinos doubt our claim over the West Philippine Sea," he explained.

He reminded the public that Facebook had previously blocked troll accounts linked to China that were promoting the Duterte family. Now, similar tactics may be in play to influence the 2025 elections.

Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit emphasized that any candidate who ignores the country’s legal victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) should not be trusted.

"Disregarding our sovereignty is a betrayal of the nation. Leaders who claim to serve the people must uphold our rights, not surrender them to foreign powers."

A Wake-Up Call: Lessons from the Past

Defense expert Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong (Ret.) pointed to the case of Alice Guo, the ousted Bamban mayor suspected of being a Chinese spy, as a wake-up call for the dangers of foreign influence in Philippine politics.

"If it happened in Bamban, it can happen at a larger scale. We must be vigilant against leaders who secretly serve foreign interests."

Ong also highlighted how Chinese-backed illegal activities, such as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations), have become a breeding ground for crime, including human trafficking and cyber scams.

"This is the cost of weak leadership. If we continue electing leaders who prioritize China, we are putting our country’s security and economy at risk."

Filipinos Say NO to Pro-China Candidates

According to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase, 68% of Filipinos said they would not vote for pro-China candidates. Only 14% said they would, while 19% remained undecided.

"The numbers are clear—Filipinos want leaders who will stand up to China, not bow down to it," said international relations expert Renato De Castro.

He also warned against faulty Chinese investments, saying they often lead to corruption and unfair deals that benefit China more than the Philippines.

"We’ve already seen what happened under the Duterte administration—fishermen were driven away from their own waters, and Chinese vessels swarmed our territory unchecked. This election is a choice between leaders who will fight for our country and those who will sell it out."

Vote for Leaders Who Will Defend the Philippines

With tensions in the West Philippine Sea continuing to rise, experts urge voters to be extra cautious about who they elect.

"Leadership is about actions, not slogans. We need leaders who will defend our sovereignty, protect our fisherfolk, and stand up against foreign pressure. The West Philippine Sea is part of our national identity, economy, and security. Let’s not elect leaders who will give it away," Manhit emphasized.

The message is clear: If a candidate favors China over the Philippines, they don’t deserve your vote.
Feb 17, 2025
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