MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito on Sunday warned that Filipinos allegedly paid to spread anti-government content or target personalities critical of China could face treason charges.
Speaking in a radio interview on dzBB, Ejercito said such acts could constitute a national security threat, particularly in light of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“We may consider that treason because it involves the interest of our country. That’s a security issue, national security issue,” Ejercito said. “If this involves a national security matter, we have to consider it seriously because the West Philippine Sea issue is sensitive.”
The senator pointed to social media accounts that harass Filipinos who speak against Beijing, describing them as trolls allegedly funded by China. “There’s even a survey showing about 90 percent of Filipinos are outraged over China’s actions. China is the biggest threat,” he added.
Ejercito reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty. “We will continue to fight for our rights, our country’s territorial rights over the exclusive economic zone. I will stand for our sovereignty. I will stand against all Chinese propaganda,” he said.
The remarks follow allegations raised last year by Sen. Francis Tolentino, who claimed that China, via its Manila embassy, contracted a Filipino marketing firm, InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc., to create a “troll farm” aimed at discrediting anti-China lawmakers and government officials.
Tolentino said the August 2023 contract included provisions for “keyboard warriors” to support a wider issue management project, operating dozens of fake social media accounts that reached thousands of real users. InfinitUs has denied the allegations, insisting no such contract existed with the Chinese government.
Ejercito stressed that diplomacy remains the priority despite the heightened online activity. “We exhaust all diplomatic means, but we cannot allow them to disrespect us,” he said. He also noted the importance of alliances with like-minded nations to safeguard the Philippines’ sovereignty, emphasizing that the stance is against the Chinese government, not its people.
Earlier, at least 15 senators signed Senate Resolution No. 256, condemning statements by the Chinese Embassy that criticized Philippine officials defending the country’s maritime rights.