Malacañang issued a stern warning on Wednesday to local politicians and leaders allegedly receiving support from China, cautioning them against allowing themselves to be used by foreign entities to maintain political power.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the remark after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. revealed that there is reason to suspect certain elected Philippine officials are receiving backing from Beijing to spread propaganda and challenge Manila’s maritime claims in the West Philippine Sea.
When asked if involved politicians could face treason charges, Castro clarified that the government is studying possible legal actions, though prosecuting for treason carries specific legal hurdles.
“Pag-aralan po natin. So, hindi po natin alam kung hanggang saan ang extent, mahirap pong sabihin kasi ang treason nangyayari po ito kapag mayroong war,” Castro explained.
Castro emphasized that authorities will withhold the names of suspected figures while thorough investigations are underway. However, she urged elected leaders to remain faithful to national sovereignty rather than foreign interests.
“Hindi po dapat na magpagamit sa ibang bansa para lang manatili sa puwesto. 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.
Tensions between the Philippines and China remain heightened over overlapping claims in the South China Sea, marked by frequent maritime encounters and intensified rhetoric over sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.