President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strengthened defense ties with the United States since 2022 while taking a tougher stance against China in the West Philippine Sea, reversing the pro-Beijing tilt of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
However, a Reuters investigation revealed that Chinese-linked disinformation networks—allegedly run by a firm called InfinitUs—have sought to influence Philippine politics through fake social media accounts that praise Beijing and attack critics of China.
These troll accounts, tied to China’s embassy in Manila, reportedly targeted lawmakers like Robert Ace Barbers and circulated propaganda through outlets such as Ni Hao Manila.
Some Filipino officials were also identified as recipients of awards and cash from APCU, a China-affiliated organization promoting Beijing’s influence.
Despite these efforts, surveys show Filipinos remain largely supportive of the US alliance, though analysts warn that online disinformation could sway future elections.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 8, 2025
