Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang warned against foreign money influencing Philippine officials to remain silent in the West Philippine Sea, following allegations of China-linked funding involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Friday the administration was not passing judgment on the allegations raised by former Sen. Sonny Trillanes but stressed they should not be disregarded if backed by sufficient evidence.
“Kung sapat ang ebidensya, hindi ito dapat isawalang bahala,” Castro said on Friday, Oct. 2.
[Translation: If there is sufficient evidence, this should not be disregarded.]
Castro said it could be considered a betrayal of the country if Filipino public officials were influenced by foreign money to turn a blind eye to actions against Filipino fishermen or surrender the Philippines’ territory or rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Maituturing na pagtataksil sa bayan ang mga Filipino lalo na kung sila ay mga public official na kaya pala tahimik sa mga karahasang natatanggap ng iba nating mangingisda sa kamay ng mga dayuhan at ang iba naman ay handang ipamigay ang parte ng ating teritoryo o karapatan sa WPS ay dahil natatapalan ng pera ang kanilang mga mata para talikuran ang pagmamahal sa sariling bayan at ibenta ang ating kalayaan,” Castro said.
[Translation: It could be considered a betrayal of the country, especially if they are public officials who remain silent about the abuses suffered by some of our fishermen at the hands of foreigners, or are willing to give away parts of our territory or our rights in the West Philippine Sea because money has blinded them into turning their backs on their love of country and selling our freedom.]
The palace statement came after Trillanes alleged that more than P319 million from China-linked sources flowed into Cale88 Foods Corp., a company in which Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, was previously an incorporator, director and shareholder.
Trillanes also cited P150 million received by the Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines from the Chinese Embassy in 2019. Records presented by Trillanes showed the donation was intended for the construction of 13 classroom buildings in Davao City.
He argued that the China-linked transactions raised national security concerns because Duterte is the country’s vice president.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila declined to address Trillanes’ allegations when sought for comment by NewsWatch Plus.
“This is Philippine domestic politics. No comment,” the embassy said.
Castro said the administration was withholding judgment while emphasizing that Filipinos should be informed if evidence exists to support the allegations.
“Walang paghuhusga sa ngayon ang administrasyon ngunit dapat malaman ito ng mga kababayan natin kung may sapat naman na ebidensya,” she said.
[Translation: The administration is not making any judgment at this point, but our countrymen should know about this if there is sufficient evidence.]
Castro ended her statement with a call for accountability, saying those who tolerate such acts should be dealt with immediately.
“Ang mga kumukunsinte sa ganitong gawain ay dapat na kalusin hindi bukas… kundi ngayon! Huwag natin hayaan ang ibang opisyal pa natin ang siyang dudurog sa sarili nating bansa. Gumising tayong lahat!” she said.
[Translation: Those who tolerate this kind of activity should be dealt with, not tomorrow, but now. Let us not allow some of our own officials to destroy our own country. We must all wake up!]
