Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As the May 2025 elections draw near, defense experts are calling on Filipino voters to be cautious in their choices, particularly urging them not to support candidates with pro-China stances. These experts warn that such candidates could jeopardize the Philippines' sovereignty and national interests.
In a compelling interview on February 15, former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio raised alarms about what he termed "Manchurian candidates"—individuals allegedly backed by China who could prioritize the foreign superpower's interests over the Philippines' territorial integrity. Carpio pointed to the growing influence of China in the region and warned that electing officials who might be sympathetic to China’s agenda could put the country at risk.
"This election is not just about domestic politics. We are dealing with a nation that is actively attempting to seize our maritime zones and island territories," Carpio emphasized. "We must be vigilant not to vote for Manchurian candidates—those who are willing to do China's bidding at the expense of our sovereignty."
Carpio also shed light on the financial backing that pro-China candidates could receive, suggesting that such funding could lead them to advance China’s interests once in power. He underscored that those who undermine the Philippines' territorial rights or fail to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling should not be entrusted with leadership.
Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute, echoed Carpio’s sentiments, emphasizing that upholding the arbitral victory in the South China Sea is essential to the country's sovereignty. "Anyone who disregards this ruling is disregarding the national sovereignty of the Philippines. Such a person cannot be trusted to lead the country," Manhit said, urging voters to critically assess candidates based on their track records.
Retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong also voiced his concerns, citing the case of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Allegedly connected to Chinese interests, Guo became a subject of suspicion due to rumors of illegal activities such as human trafficking and money laundering. Ong warned that leaders with ties to China are compromising the future of the nation.
"A leader who favors China doesn't just betray the Filipino people—they endanger our nation’s future. This could mean losing control of our territories, witnessing the destruction of our maritime environment, and displacing our fisherfolk. Weak leadership has allowed China’s island reclamation projects to proceed unchecked, and our sovereignty is being trampled," Ong stated.
He further highlighted the dangerous consequences of such leadership, pointing to the infiltration of illegal activities like human trafficking and cybercrime—issues that have worsened due to the prioritization of foreign interests over the welfare of Filipinos.
International relations expert Renato De Castro also criticized the past administration's appeasement towards China and warned against allowing foreign powers to continue exploiting the Philippines. "This election is a choice between leaders who will protect our nation and those who will sell it out. Make your choice wisely," De Castro urged.
Recent data from a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase Group further underscores the growing public opposition to pro-China candidates. According to the survey, a significant 68% of Filipinos expressed that they would not support candidates with ties to China, reflecting the strong public sentiment against candidates who may put China's interests ahead of the Philippines.
As the nation approaches the 2025 elections, experts urge voters to consider the implications of their choices on the Philippines’ sovereignty, maritime rights, and overall security. The stakes are high, and the outcome could determine the future direction of the country.
*Based from a post of IMPACT Leadership
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
