Palace to Filipinos: Watch out for China’s anti-PH narrative in West PH Sea dispute

August 26, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Malacañang on Tuesday called on Filipinos to be vigilant against foreign influences, especially in discussions over the West Philippine Sea.

This was after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said some Filipino politicians may be getting support from China to amplify its narratives in the maritime dispute.

“Kung particular na politician kung mayroon man ay hindi naman agad-agad ito dapat na maisiwalat at kailangan pa nang masinsinang pagpapaimbestiga,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said.

She said concerns over foreign influence are not limited to politicians, noting Chinese-linked social media networks pushing for anti-Philippines content.

Castro said Filipinos need to be united in protecting the country’s interests.

“Hindi po dapat na magpagamit sa ibang bansa para lang manatili sa puwesto,” she said.

“Mahirap po na ang maging lider natin ay hawak ng ibang bansa dahil ibang naratibo at ibang interes ang palalawigin ng mga politiko na hawak ng ibang bansa,” Castro added.