Senate, NBI summon Makati-based firm in alleged China-funded trolls

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have each issued summons to a Makati-based marketing firm allegedly hired by China to run troll operations targeting public opinion.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Wednesday, April 30, Senator Francis Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones, said he is inviting the directors of InfinitUs to the next hearing scheduled for next week.

He said the committee has been tasked with issuing a formal invitation but could not confirm whether it has been received.

“Hayaan muna natin magpaliwanag sila (InfinitUs). ‘Yun po ang due process e. Patunayan nila na mali ang sinabi ko [Let’s allow them to explain first. That’s what due process is. They should prove that what I said is wrong],” Tolentino said.

In a hearing on April 24, Tolentino presented a contract and a P930,000 check allegedly issued by the Chinese embassy to InfinitUs for the operations of so-called “keyboard warriors.” He also showed documents outlining a social media plan aimed at spreading China’s messaging and attacking officials critical of Beijing.

Asked about the possible violations by InfinitUs, Tolentino cited treason, espionage, acts against national security, and other cybercrimes, which will be determined by the NBI in its separate probe.

On Wednesday, NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin confirmed to NewsWatch Plus that a subpoena had been served to InfinitUs on Friday but he did not disclose details of the “active investigation.”

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to InfinitUs.

In the same Senate hearing, the National Security Council revealed it had detected signs of a Chinese state-sponsored operation aimed at influencing the May midterm elections, using so-called “local proxies” such as social media influencers to sway public opinion in favor of pro-China candidates.

The Chinese embassy, meanwhile, denied any interference, stating it does not meddle in the internal affairs of other countries and has “no interest in interfering in elections in the Philippines.” It also accused certain politicians of using the issue to advance their election campaign.

Tolentino, a reelectionist, said China's statement was a diversionary tactic.

“Nililihis nila yung sisue. Ang tanong, meron ba kayong troll farm? Sinagot ba? Hindi [They are diverting the issue. The question is, Do you have a troll farm? Was it answered? No],” he said.

He also warned that there could be other companies, as well as government officials and candidates working for China.

“There are regional corporate offices out there masquerading as legitimate business operations when in fact they are at the behest and call of their principal which is the Chinese embassy,” he said.

Tolentino said the alleged poll meddling, discovery of supposed Chinese underwater drones, and arrests of suspected spies highlight China's growing efforts to disrupt geopolitics in its favor amid the West Philippine Sea dispute.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.