Exposed: China Secretly Funding Pro-Duterte Vloggers – What Are They Hiding?

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​Former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles confirmed that the Chinese government sponsored seminars for pro-Duterte vloggers, covering all expenses including travel, accommodation, and seminar costs. ​

During a House tri-committee hearing on fake news and disinformation held on March 21, 2025, Cruz-Angeles admitted her participation in one such seminar organized by China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) from May 23 to June 5, 2023. She revealed that the invitation came directly from the Chinese Embassy, which regularly selects participants for these programs. The seminar focused on emerging trends in social media, including techniques for creating short-form videos and provided a background on China. ​

This disclosure has raised concerns about foreign influence in the Philippines, especially considering recent events involving Chinese nationals. On March 3, 2025, the Philippine government announced an investigation into donations made by groups affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These groups, led by four Chinese nationals accused of espionage, had donated cash and equipment to local Philippine officials and police forces. The donations included 500,000 pesos to the mayor of Tarlac City, 10 motorcycles to Manila's police, and 10 patrol vehicles to Tarlac's police. The investigation aims to determine whether these donations were made in good faith or with ulterior motives. ​

The intertwining of media training programs and alleged espionage activities has sparked a broader debate about the extent of China's influence in the Philippines. Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for an immediate halt to government programs that send high-ranking Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers to China for studies and training, with expenses paid by the Chinese government. Tulfo described such programs as a significant insult, especially in light of ongoing harassment and bullying of AFP members by Chinese military forces in the West Philippine Sea. ​

These developments come amid efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the Philippines and China. On January 4, 2023, both countries signed 14 bilateral agreements covering various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, maritime security, and tourism. One notable agreement was the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation, aiming to enhance tourism collaboration between the two nations. ​

While such agreements aim to bolster economic and cultural ties, the recent revelations have led to increased scrutiny of China's involvement in the Philippines' internal affairs. The sponsorship of seminars for pro-Duterte vloggers and the alleged espionage activities have raised questions about the potential for foreign influence operations. As the Philippines navigates its relationship with China, balancing cooperation with vigilance remains a critical challenge.​

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