FORMER Senator Manny Pacquiao on Sunday issued a strong nationalist call ahead of the May 12 midterm elections, urging Filipinos to reject foreign interference — particularly alleged efforts by China to influence the vote.
“Huwag magpa-impluwensiya. Ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno ang kalayaan. Huwag natin itong isuko ngayon. Patunayan natin sa boto kung sino ang tunay na makabayan,” Pacquiao said during a campaign stop in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
His warning follows reports from the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) detailing a disinformation campaign linked to China.
Authorities said more than 300 fake social media accounts, allegedly managed by Chinese troll farms, are working to sway public opinion.
A Senate investigation led by Majority Leader Francis Tolentino also uncovered a check from the Chinese embassy to a local marketing firm believed to be operating the troll network. The alleged goal: promote pro-China candidates and discredit officials advocating for stronger maritime defense and nationalist policies.
Pacquiao condemned these actions and called on voters to defend the country’s sovereignty.
“Bansa natin ito, teritoryo natin ito. Hindi ito lugar ng pandayuhang interes. Ang atin ay atin!” he said.
The former senator also tied his campaign to the enforcement of the recently passed Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064), which seeks to boost patrols, protect fisherfolk, and assert jurisdiction in contested maritime areas.
“Prinsipyo natin na dapat kaibigan at nakikipagtulungan tayo sa mga bansa sa mundo, pero hindi tayo papa-bully o papaapi. Hindi lang ito laban sa eleksyon — ito ay laban para sa ating kinabukasan bilang isang malayang bansa. Para sa Pilipino, para sa malayang Pilipinas,” he added.
Pacquiao positioned himself firmly among candidates defending the Philippine flag, calling on voters to stand united against external influence.
