Foreign interference has also been a concerning issue in the Philippines, particularly in relation to disinformation and propaganda. Due to President Marcos Jr.’s foreign policies, which are more closely aligned with the United States, maritime disputes between the Philippines and China have intensified during his administration. Pro-China propaganda has been documented over the years293, with media reporting that it was initially spread by pro-Duterte bloggers, given his foreign policies that were more aligned with China294. According to these reports, such narratives justified China’s actions in the disputed areas. There is also speculation that China-funded troll farms operate inside the Philippines. InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc., a private company, has allegedly had a contract with the Chinese embassy in Manila to disseminate pro-China narratives295. Amid the midterm election, pro-Duterte candidates were also allegedly linked to troll farms that amplified pro-Duterte content296. Media reported that a formal complaint was filed with the COMELEC, supported by forensic evidence including traffic logs, bot activity reports, and metadata indicating coordinated inauthentic behavior. Fifteen pro-Duterte candidates, including Rodrigo Duterte, were named as beneficiaries of these activities297. In April 2025, a Chinese national was arrested with an IMSI catcher—a device used to intercept mobile phone traffic—near the COMELEC office298. Media reports stated that the man, a Macau passport holder, had also visited other locations, including the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Embassy299. Lawmakers in the Philippines have been working to combat information disorder in the country, including by considering an “anti-fake news” bill, the creation of a regulatory body to monitor the issue, the registration of foreign-based social media platforms, and a requirement for social media companies to establish local offices. Baizas, Gaby. “[Decoded] China State Media Unlocked: AFP, DND.” Rappler, 6 June 2025, www.rappler. com/technology/decoded-china-state-media-unlocked-afp-dnd. 294. Macaraeg, Pauline. “How Pro-China Propaganda Is Seeded Online in the Philippines.” Rappler, 1 Nov. 2023, www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/ways-how-china-propaganda-seeded-online-philippines. 295. Abarca, Charie. “Marketing Firm Invited to Senate Probe Into China-Funded Troll Farm.” Inquirer.net, 1 May 2025, globalnation.inquirer.net/275427/marketing-firm-invited-to-senate-probe-into-china-fundedtroll-farm. 296. Beltran, Sam. “Philippine Midterms: Did Pro-Duterte Candidates Benefit From China-Funded Troll Farms?” South China Morning Post, 14 May 2025, www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3310355/ philippine-midterms-did-pro-duterte-candidates-benefit-china-funded-troll-farms. 297. Ibid. 298. Mendoza, John Eric. “Chinese With Spying Device Nabbed Near Comelec.” Inquirer.net, 30 Apr. 2025, globalnation.inquirer.net/275183/chinese-with-spying-device-nabbed-near-comelec. 299. Kang, Taejun. “Philippines Arrests Chinese Man for Operating Surveillance Device Near Voting Agency.” Radio Free Asia, 1 May 2025, www.rfa.org/english/china/2025/05/01/china-philippines-chinese-manarrest-election. 293. 66