A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by the Stratbase Group, reveals that China’s disinformation campaign surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has primarily targeted Social Class E, the country’s poorest sector.
The survey, conducted from April 11 to 14, 2025, involved 1,800 respondents nationwide and carries a ±2% margin of error.
According to the findings, 75% of Filipinos expressed a preference for candidates who firmly support asserting the country’s rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
However, the figure dropped by 3 percentage points compared to a similar survey conducted in February this year.
Interestingly, 41% of those who preferred non-assertive candidates were from Social Class E, a demographic that remains most vulnerable to the ongoing disinformation campaign orchestrated by China.
Only 25% of Filipinos, across all social classes, favored candidates who oppose asserting the country’s rights in the disputed waters.
Stratbase President Dindo Manhit said that Social Class E has become “the primary targets and victims” of China’s systematic disinformation efforts, which are designed to distort the narrative and confuse the public.
“Tragically, Social Class E’s daily fight for survival leaves them more susceptible to these manipulations, especially when false narratives are amplified by local candidates who have historically aligned themselves with Chinese interests,” Manhit said.
Manhit said China’s disinformation operations, exposed by various government agencies and independent think tanks, have been targeting this vulnerable sector of society, undermining national sentiment and casting doubt on the importance of defending our sovereignty.
“Let us be clear: the hardworking men and women of Social Class E are not to blame. They are victims of a deliberate, aggressive disinformation campaign waged by China, which aims to dull national outrage, normalize foreign aggression, and create confusion about the necessity of defending Philippine sovereignty,” he said.
Manhit also warned that China’s disinformation is being amplified by local politicians, particularly those with ties to Chinese interests, “who now package themselves as patriots during election season. They exploit the struggles and aspirations of the poor, weaponizing false promises and hollow words to gain votes.”
“This is a betrayal not just of Social Class E, but of every Filipino who dreams of a truly free and sovereign Philippines. We must not allow ourselves to be fooled,” he said.
With only two weeks left before the May elections, Manhit urged voters to scrutinize candidates’ records thoroughly.
“We must go beyond slogans and patriotic posturing. Look at their track record. Examine whether they have genuinely fought for Philippine interests, or if they have, in the past, welcomed China’s encroachment with open arms. Do not be swayed by last-minute declarations designed to fool the unsuspecting,” he said.
“Let us stand together. Let us vote wisely. And let us never forget that sovereignty once surrendered is sovereignty lost forever,” he added. Veronica Uy
