MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito has issued a stern warning to Filipinos suspected of being paid by foreign interests to discredit the Philippine government, stating that such actions regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should be considered acts of treason.
The senator’s remarks, made during a radio interview on February 1, 2026, come amid heightening tensions and reports of organized “troll farms” working to shift public narrative in favor of Beijing.
National Security and Treason Ejercito emphasized that the maritime dispute is a matter of national security, making online propaganda more than just a matter of free speech.
- Liability: “We may consider that treason because it involves the interest of our country. That’s a security issue… the West Philippine Sea issue is a sensitive issue,” Ejercito said.
- Outrage: He cited surveys showing that 90 percent of Filipinos are outraged over China’s actions, suggesting that social media accounts defending Beijing do not represent genuine public sentiment but are instead “Chinese-funded trolls.”
The “InfinitUs” Exposé The warning follows a 2025 Senate exposé by Senator Francis Tolentino, who claimed the Chinese Embassy in Manila contracted a local private marketing firm, InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc., to manage a “troll army.”
- The Operation: Allegedly, the contract involved hiring Filipino “keyboard warriors” to spread pro-Beijing narratives and harass lawmakers critical of China.
- The Reach: Tolentino claimed the operation utilized hundreds of fake accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), which had collectively garnered over 50,000 “friends” or followers among the Filipino public.
- Denial: InfinitUs has denied all allegations, stating it has no such contract with any foreign government.
Diplomacy and Sovereignty Despite the strong rhetoric against propaganda, Ejercito maintained that diplomacy is still the preferred path.
- Mutual Respect: The senator clarified that his anger is directed at the “expansionist government” of President Xi Jinping, not the Chinese people or the Filipino-Chinese community.
- UNCLOS Compliance: He stressed that friendship with China is possible only if they respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Philippine territorial integrity.
- Alliances: Ejercito urged the government to continue forging alliances with “right-minded nations” to bolster the country’s sovereign claims against a superpower.
At least 15 senators have already signed Senate Resolution No. 256, formally condemning the Chinese Embassy for statements directed at Philippine officials and institutions. The Coast Guard has also noted that troll activity in the Philippines has grown “tenfold” since the government began its policy of transparency regarding incidents in the West Philippine Sea.