FORMER Defense Secretary and senatorial aspirant Norberto Gonzales claimed on Thursday that China has long been spying on the Philippines and warned of potential threats to national security.
“China has long been spying on us,” Gonzales said in a press conference, alleging that Beijing has been preparing to assert control over the country.
He accused China of bribing Philippine officials regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute.
“Sa ngayon bina-bribe nang China ang Pilipinas. Sobra namang mababa ang tingin nila sa mga Pinoy,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales claimed that even before the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Chinese surveillance activities were already in place.
“Ngayon lang nagiging obvious, hindi pa panahon ni PBBM. Ngayon lang nagiging obvious yan, nagtatambak na nang armas sa Pilipinas,” the former defense secretary said adding that the intelligence community has been aware of the situation.
The former defense chief expressed strong support for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, calling them a crucial deterrent against external threats.
“Hindi biro ang problema natin sa Tsina,” he said.
He urged the government to assert national dignity and seek diplomatic alternatives to conflicts in the WPS.
“Wala akong nakikitang alternative sa mga namumuno sa atin ngayon,” as he said.
Gonzales also called for five years of compulsory military training, citing the need to prepare the country’s youth for national defense. He estimated that more than 20 million young Filipinos could be trained as reservists.
“Dapat maghanda tayo,” he said adding that compulsory military training for five years is needed.
