The agreement, signed by Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave M. Gomez, DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, and Acting Justice Secretary Frederick A. Vida, establishes a whole-of-government approach to curb false information that threatens public safety, national security, and democratic institutions.

After the MOA signing held at the DOJ office, Gomez underscored the urgency of the initiative, saying, “We are confronting a rapidly evolving information landscape where truth is increasingly vulnerable to distortion and manipulation.”

The PCO chief emphasized that the effort protects public discourse, adding, “This initiative is not about curtailing free expression, but about safeguarding the Filipino people from malicious actors who exploit technology to deceive and divide.”

The MOA mandates joint efforts to detect, investigate, and prosecute deliberate online falsehoods under existing laws, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

For his part, Vida said, “Today marks a pivotal step in safeguarding our democracy from the shadows of digital disinformation.”

Vida warned that “Digitally mediated falsehoods… have emerged as potent weapons against our national stability.”

The acting justice secretary noted that enforcement will respect rights, saying, “Our commitment is clear: proactive defense, not overreach. We draw a firm line between criminal disinformation and protected speech.”

Secretary Aguda highlighted the evolving nature of threats, noting, “Hindi na ito simpleng tsismis. Ngayon, kasinungalingan can look real… divide, and erode public trust when clarity is most needed.”

Aguda emphasized shared accountability, adding, “This is not just government acting on its own. This is a national responsibility.”

The PCO will lead government communications, advisories, and media literacy campaigns, while the DICT will engage technology platforms, strengthen cybersecurity, and support reporting systems such as eGovPH.

On the other hand, the DOJ will evaluate cases for prosecution and coordinate international action against transnational disinformation.

An inter-agency steering committee will oversee implementation, ensure data protection, and publish annual reports.

The MOA affirms that all actions will uphold constitutional freedoms while promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness.

In a world marked by geopolitical tensions, democratic backsliding, and rising global uncertainty, a new Filipino civic collective is placing its bet on the country’s youngest voters.

Team Pinas formally launched on February 19 in Manila, positioning itself as a multidisciplinary platform committed to strengthening democratic institutions, defending sovereignty, and advancing diplomacy-centered solutions to both local and international challenges.

But beyond policy papers and diplomatic receptions, its long-term focus is clear: mobilizing the “GenZennial” bloc in the run-up to the 2028 presidential elections.

The launch reception gathered members of the diplomatic corps, cross-sectoral leaders, and civic advocates. Among those present were H.E. Yuliia Fediv, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Philippines, and officials from the embassies of Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, signalling that Team Pinas intends to situate Philippine democracy within a broader regional and global conversation.

Composed of Filipino scholars, policy experts, legal advocates, security specialists, and civic organizers, Team Pinas Foundation describes itself as research-driven but action-oriented. It integrates policy analysis, public education, and grassroots engagement; this structure is meant to move democracy beyond slogans and into sustained civic participation.

According to Dr. Gary Ador Dionisio, Lead Convenor and Dean of the Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, the initiative traces back to a moment of political reckoning he witnessed abroad.

While at Georgetown University during the 2024 United States presidential election, Dionisio observed widespread frustration and despair among students and faculty — an atmosphere that prompted him to convene Filipino experts across disciplines to prevent similar democratic backsliding in the Philippines.

Inspired by La Liga Filipina, the reformist movement founded by José Rizal in 1892, Team Pinas seeks to transform citizens from passive observers into active participants in nation-building. Its leadership underscores that democracy cannot be sustained by elections alone, but must be reinforced by institutions, the rule of law, and civic consciousness.

Dionisio outlined the group’s guiding principles: strengthening democratic institutions; upholding the rule of law nationally and internationally; mainstreaming human rights; defending and protecting the West Philippine Sea, including resistance to foreign intervention and malign influence; supporting the passage of an anti-dynasty law; encouraging the election of a president in 2028 who is not from a political dynasty; and mobilizing Gen Z and millennial voters — the so-called GenZennial bloc.

“There is a need of support from the diplomatic community, especially in the case of China as the bully,” Dionisio said. “We also invited ASEAN member states, because we are basically leading the conference this year. Both national international community… it’s about competitive advantage. We look at the regional and the global perspective, [especially in looking at] internationl relations as part and parcel right now of public administration.”

Team Pinas advocates diplomatic engagement through partnerships with embassies, ASEAN member states, and the broader international community. Leaders have publicly affirmed support for the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, framing international law and diplomacy as essential tools in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.

Yet it is the GenZennial strategy that gives the initiative its forward-looking edge.

During a fireside chat at the launch, core members emphasized that protecting democracy is not merely about winning the next election, but about sustaining democratic culture for generations. The proposed “GenZennial Tour” aims to establish campus-based and community chapters nationwide, conduct voter education drives, and campaign on data-driven information well beyond the 2028 elections.

Organizers noted that student participants during their 2025 midterm voter education initiatives demonstrated a sophisticated grasp of political challenges and openly rejected the status quo — a sign, they believe, that the next electoral cycle could be shaped by a more discerning and globally aware electorate.

Leaders are careful to clarify that Team Pinas is not a political party, but a “movement of conscience” grounded in law, diplomacy, and democratic reform.

“This civic movement will be truth tellers that are based on facts, not propaganda,” organizers said, describing their role as bridge-builders committed to strengthening both national institutions and the Philippines’ standing in the international community.

As 2028 looms on the horizon, Team Pinas is positioning itself at the intersection of diplomacy and democracy — and at the heart of a generation that will soon hold decisive electoral power.

The twin developments come at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty — from tensions in the South China Sea affecting the Philippines’ security outlook to shifting economic alignments in North America that are prompting Canada to diversify its trade and strategic partnerships.

Against this backdrop, Manila and Ottawa are moving to strengthen both defense coordination and economic integration as part of a broader effort to reinforce a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Undersecretary for Policy Leo M. Herrera-Lim, who led the Philippine delegation, pointed to the growing momentum in bilateral ties, citing the recently concluded visiting forces pact and progress in trade negotiations as key milestones.

“The Philippines considers Canada a credible, reliable, and principled partner, in supporting both our bilateral and collective efforts in promoting peace and security in the region,” he said.

“We share Canada’s enthusiasm in increasing and further exploring other areas of cooperation,” Undersecretary Herrera-Lim added.

Assistant Deputy Minister for Indo-Pacific Weldon Epp, who led the Canadian delegation, also underscored the importance of closer collaboration.

As vibrant democracies, he said, both countries’ values and interests are aligned, noting the need to work together to advance mutual priorities.

The SOVFA, concluded in November 2025, allows Canadian troops to train and participate in exercises in the Philippines and vice versa, placing Canada alongside existing Philippine defense partners such as the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The agreement is seen as a concrete step toward strengthening deterrence, enhancing disaster response coordination, and expanding maritime security cooperation.

The JCBC meeting also highlighted progress toward a bilateral free trade agreement — a move that reflects both countries’ interest in diversifying markets and building more resilient supply chains.

For Canada, expanding economic links with Southeast Asia aligns with its Indo-Pacific Strategy and efforts to reduce reliance on traditional trade partners.

For the Philippines, deeper access to Canadian markets supports its push to attract investments and position itself as a gateway to the region.

Delegates discussed expanding cooperation in energy security, critical minerals, and cybersecurity — areas that are increasingly strategic as global supply chains shift and countries seek trusted partners for resource development and digital infrastructure.

A relationship anchored in people and trade

Canada-Philippines relations have steadily broadened over the past decades, supported by strong people-to-people ties and growing economic exchanges.

Two-way merchandise trade reached roughly US$3.4 billion in 2023, with Philippine exports estimated at about US$2.2 billion and Canadian exports at around US$1.2 billion. Services trade has also been significant, valued at approximately C$2.6 billion in 2023, making the Philippines Canada’s second most important export market in ASEAN.

Canadian firms continue to maintain a presence in Philippine economic zones, employing thousands of workers in sectors such as electronics, IT-BPM, and manufacturing.

Canada has also committed more than C$76 million in development funding for projects in climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive growth.

Since 1986, Ottawa has provided over C$1 billion in official development assistance to the Philippines, supporting governance programs, climate-smart agriculture, public health, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the Bangsamoro region.

Beyond trade and development, the relationship is reinforced by migration and education links. Canada hosts a large and growing Filipino community, estimated at close to one million people, while tens of thousands of Filipinos study in Canadian institutions each year.

Responding to an evolving global landscape

Both sides acknowledged the rapidly changing international environment and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and stability in the Indo-Pacific — issues that have taken on greater urgency amid tensions in the South China Sea.

The JCBC, created in 2012, serves as a platform to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation. At the latest meeting, officials from both countries also discussed collaboration in labor and migration, consular affairs, health, education, space, and indigenous peoples’ programs.

They also reaffirmed shared support for a rules-based international order and closer coordination as partners in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, APEC, and ASEAN-related mechanisms.

Other senior members of the Philippine delegation included DICT Undersecretary Julius Gorospe, DFA Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel R. Solano, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga, DFA Maritime and Oceans Affairs Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Donato K. Guzman, DENR Assistant Secretary Noralene Uy, and DEPDev Assistant Secretary Jonathan Uy.

The Canadian delegation included Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman and Jason Tolland, Special Advisor to Global Affairs Canada for the Indo-Pacific.

India marked its 77th Republic Day in Manila by highlighting its rapid, people-centric economic progress and its expanding strategic partnership with the Philippines, as officials from both countries underscored shared democratic values and growing cooperation across defense, trade, and people-to-people ties.

“India and the Philippines are friends by choice, and partners by destiny,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message quoted during the celebration hosted by the Embassy of India at Shangri-La The Fort on Monday, attended by diplomats, government officials, business leaders, media, and members of the Indian community.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain described the occasion as “a renewed affirmation of India’s enduring commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and inclusive development.”

He said India stands “at a pivotal moment in its growth,” driven by innovation, digital public infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.

He stressed that India’s development model remains “people-centric,” aligned with global priorities such as climate action, resilient supply chains, food and health security, and digital inclusion.

The ambassador linked this progress to New Delhi’s growing global role and to its deepening ties with Manila.

Jain recalled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India in August 2025, when both countries elevated relations to a strategic partnership.

The declaration, he said, reflected “not only a growing convergence of interests, but also a shared vision for stability, resilience and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Agreements reached during the visit covered defense and maritime cooperation, legal assistance, science and technology, tourism, digital innovation, space, and cultural exchange.

Representing the Philippine government, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Theresa Dizon-de Vega said India’s Republic Day ideals of “justice, liberty, equality, and dignity” resonate deeply with Filipinos, shaped by their own struggle for independence and democratic values.

She welcomed India as “a key pillar of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” adding that together, the two countries “strengthen regional stability, promote peace and prosperity, support ASEAN centrality, and uphold a rules-based order.”

De Vega reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to expanding cooperation in defense, security, and the maritime domain, saying both nations remain “steadfast in upholding regional security, international law and stability.”

She also highlighted people-to-people links, including the resumption of direct flights between Manila and Delhi, along with expanding trade, tourism, and educational exchanges.

She expressed optimism about the trajectory of ties, saying: “We are friends by choice. We are partners by destiny, and we are charting the way forward to an even more multifaceted, impactful, and strong partnership.”

India and the Philippines, which established diplomatic relations in 1949, now describe their ties as a broadening strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges — a relationship both sides increasingly frame as anchored in shared democratic values and a common stake in a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Where are the clowns, send in the clowns…” What a song of tragic comedy — of sorrow and darkness behind painted smiles. I used to hear it on the radio. Today, it plays out as news.

On a totally unrelated matter, which some might consider purely coincidental, this corner begs to ask what business provincial strongman Chavit Singson has in picking fights with President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

I mean, he’s bred in the same dynastic comfort and shadowed by a past that whispers of shady deals and gambling exposes. He should have taken a hint during the first Trillion Peso March that the boos that greeted him were not beckoning him to lecture the nation on moral renewal.

Yes, government rot exists in the form of systemic corruption and ineptness in leadership, but what’s Chavit really after? To call for mass action while daring the President to a debate merely drums up a spectacle none of us needs right now.

Who wants to watch that debate in the first place? For Malacañang to dignify the dare is a pathetic embarrassment. An administration tasked with correcting wrongs in its own time should not trade barbs with a heckler unless there’s a certain admission that they’re all just clowns arguing over who owns the circus.

Do we nod at the US?

Last January 3 could be read as a triumph for the United States, when it launched a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. While Washington justified its action as necessary to address corruption, authoritarian rule, and threats to regional stability, all of it could also be read as a day of infamy.

Framed by US President Donald Trump as a defense of democracy and accountability, the move was carried out unilaterally, outside multilateral mechanisms, and against a sovereign state already isolated by sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

What’s dangerous about this US action is not merely the fate of Maduro or the many, very real sins of the Venezuelan regime. It is the precedent it sets, as stated by Leila de Lima. She stopped cautiously at the thought of how that world’s leading democracy has reverted to the logic of force, of “might makes right.”

I see her point, because if we follow that context, we are also hollowing out the very rules-based order democracy claims to defend. When a superpower abducts the leader of a weaker state in the name of moral necessity, it blurs the line between enforcement and aggression, between law and power.

For Filipinos who cherish democracy, reflexive support for an ally will not do. The Philippines is a small, vulnerable state in a contested region, reliant not on force but on international law to defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea. If we applaud selective violations of sovereignty today, we weaken our own moral footing tomorrow — especially when confronting China’s coercion.

Other voices echo this pause for thought, and this includes critics of Venezuela. They ask: Is this how democracy speaks, by bypassing multilateral institutions and normalizing unilateral force? Again, this is not an argument against our alliance with the US, but an argument for historical clarity and democratic discussion.

In the end, the Philippines cannot just be expected to nod as Trump turns at every corner of the world. The democracy that both our nations value with our lives cannot be defended by methods that make every small nation more afraid of its protectors than of its adversaries.

• * *

SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

As the air crackles with anger, with the righteous fury of a people tired of broken promises and whispered deals in dimly lit rooms. It’s a feeling you can taste in the streets, a feeling that fuels the calls for President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte to step down. And in the heart of it all, stands Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David during the Trillion Peso March, a shepherd of souls, offering not a rallying cry for immediate revolution, but a hand outstretched, urging caution and a path less travelled.

It’s easy to dismiss the Cardinal’s stance as being out of touch, as clinging to a system that many feel has already failed them. But look closer, and you see not complacency, but a deep, abiding love for the Philippines, a love that compels the Cardinal to ask the hard questions, the ones that whisper of unintended consequences and the fragility of democracy.

Imagine the power vacuum, the sudden jolt to a nation already teetering. Can we truly be certain that what follows will be better? Can we guarantee that the forces that rise to fill the void will be driven by a genuine desire for justice, or by the same hunger for power that plagues the present? These are the questions that keep Cardinal David up at night, the questions that shape the Cardinal’s calculated, yet unwavering, stance.

The Cardinal sees the fiery passion of those demanding immediate change, the Cardinal hears their cries for justice, and the Cardinal understands the depth of their pain. But the Cardinal also sees the ghosts of history, the specter of good intentions paved with unforeseen consequences, leading to a road even darker than the one they seek to escape.

The Cardinal speaks not as a politician, hungry for power, but as a pastor, concerned for his flock. The Cardinal is apprehensive and cautious at the thought of a military junta, even one draped in the robes of religious leaders. The Cardinal’s faith teaches the Cardinal that true power lies not in the sword, but in the quiet strength of the human spirit, in the unwavering pursuit of justice through peaceful means.

The Cardinal’s is a plea for patience, not apathy, hope not rage. A call for dialogue, not division. The Cardinal knows the road ahead will be long and arduous, filled with setbacks and compromises. But the Cardinal believes, with every fiber of the Cardinal’s being, that lasting change can only be built on a foundation of democratic principles, on a commitment to peaceful solutions, and on a unwavering faith in the power of the Filipino people to build a better future, together.

So, before we rush to tear down the house, brick by painful brick, perhaps we should pause, listen to the voice of the shepherd, and ask ourselves: are we truly ready for what comes next? And are we willing to commit to the long, hard work of nation building? something stronger, something more accountable, transparent and just? A good and trustworthy government that will truly endure? Because the future of the Philippines depends not just on our anger, but on our wisdom, our patience, and our unwavering commitment to building a better tomorrow, together.

Finland as new co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) says it will focus on women in journalism and media education.

At a dinner reception in Manila Wednesday, Finnish Ambassador Saija Nurminen said that Finland’s formally assumption of the MFC co-chairmanship alongside Germany reinforces its longstanding commitment to media freedom and human rights.

“It doesn’t come [as] a surprise to anyone who knows anything about Finland that we will focus particularly on women journalists,” Nurminen said.

“But also we would like to try to strengthen media literacy—that is another baby of ours—and we’ll try to do something with that as well,” she added.

The Media Freedom Coalition is a global alliance of 51 countries that supports journalists at risk, advocates for free and independent media, and works closely with legal experts and civil society groups to uphold press freedom around the world.

The event brought together diplomatic allies and media practitioners, including German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, and Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv, as well as journalists from THEPHILBIZNEWS, Rappler, Inquirer.net, Philippine Star, and ABS-CBN News.

The intimate gathering also became a venue for dialogue on the Philippines’ current media environment, with participants exchanging ideas on how Finland can steer its MFC role effectively while upholding journalist safety and democratic values.

Ambassador Nurminen did not shy away from addressing the challenges journalists face in the Philippines, which continues to be considered one of the most dangerous places in the world for members of the press.

This assessment aligns with a recent statement from UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan, who described the Philippines as “one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.” According to UNESCO, 117 journalists have been killed in the country over the past 30 years, with 81 of those cases remain unsolved.

Finland’s new role in the MFC also coincides with its 2025 Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), a role it intends to use to further human rights advocacy, particularly in support of Ukraine.

As part of its OSCE chairmanship, Finland hosted a commemorative conference on July 31 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and reaffirm its relevance in today’s geopolitical and human rights challenges.

A milestone in this regard is the Helsinki Final Act, signed in 1975 by 35 countries, including the US, Canada, the Soviet Union, and all European states (except Albania). The agreement laid the foundation for post–Cold War diplomacy by committing signatories to respect human rights, sovereign borders, peaceful conflict resolution, and the right to self-determination. It remains a cornerstone of Finland’s foreign policy and multilateral engagement.

“And [it is important for] fundamental rights to have freedom of speech. For us, we also tie that to comprehensive security, [which is] a concept that is very dear to us in Finland,” Nurminen said.

The complaint was formally submitted on Friday before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office with legal support from the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), a civil society organization that promotes truth in digital spaces. Tarriela is seeking over ₱1 million in damages.

In his statement, Commodore Tarriela described the move as “a necessary response to a series of baseless, malicious, and deeply personal online attacks that have targeted not only my private life but also my official role as Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.”

Among the false claims circulated by Sasot, according to the complaint, are allegations that Tarriela received a $4 million “talent fee” from the United States, financial support from House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and accusations of academic dishonesty at the Philippine Military Academy—charges he flatly denies as entirely without merit.

“While I fully respect the role of free speech in a democratic society, that freedom does not extend to the willful spread of disinformation, personal defamation, or efforts to erode public confidence through falsehoods,” Tarriela said.

He said that the complaint is not only a personal legal recourse but also a message in defense of public servants “who silently endure online abuse and misrepresentation.”

“Let this serve as a reminder: freedom of expression must always be anchored in truth, responsibility, and respect,” he added.

In its separate statement, MAD identified Sasot—also known as Allan Troy Rogando Sasot—as the source of multiple defamatory posts published on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) between July and October 2023. These posts, the group said, falsely imply Tarriela’s involvement in bribery, corruption, and misconduct.

“This conduct is not protected speech,” MAD said. “It is libelous, harmful, and unlawful. Those responsible must be held legally accountable.”

MAD further noted that Tarriela’s visibility in communicating the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea has made him a target of what it described as “organized online disinformation campaigns” seeking to undermine national institutions.

“The fight against disinformation is not just about protecting reputations,” the group added. “It is about defending truth, justice, and democratic integrity. No one should be harassed or defamed for faithfully performing their duty.”

The case highlights the increasing role of credible public communication amid geopolitical tension and the broader risks posed by unchecked disinformation in the digital age.

As concerns grow over the weakening of electoral and political institutions in the country, more than 200 observers from European Union and non-EU states are set to monitor the Philippines’ May 12, 2025 midterm elections, marking one of the largest international observation missions deployed by the EU in the last three decades.

Seventy-two long-term election observers from the European Union are already in the Philippines, following an invitation from the Philippine government.

At a media briefing held in Makati last week, Marta Temido, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), said: “This will be the first deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission in the country, marking an important step toward stronger EU-Philippines relations. Our presence aims to contribute to an inclusive, transparent, and credible election.”

Temido lauded the Philippine government’s openness to international scrutiny, noting the support of various stakeholders, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman and Commissioners, government officials, political parties and candidates, civil society groups, and the media.

“We are here [in the Philippines] to learn about the election by observing and without interfering in the process and at the same time, we are not here to legitimize the results of the election,” she said.

The EU EOM has already begun its work, with a core team of 12 analysts arriving in Manila on March 28, followed by the 72 long-term observers.

Ahead of election day, more than 100 additional short-term observers will join, culminating in over 200 observers on the ground on May 12. This includes a Delegation from the European Parliament and approximately 20 diplomats accredited in the Philippines from EU member states, as well as from Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.

Beyond the voting process itself, the mission’s mandate covers a wide range of critical areas:

• The legal framework governing the elections
• The management of the electoral process by the Comelec
• The use and integrity of automated election technology
• The general campaign environment, including the role of media and social media
• Voting and the tallying of results
• Handling of election-related complaints and appeals

Temido said that the EU’s Election Observation Missions are “a fundamental component of the European Union activities to promote democracy, human rights, and civil society participation worldwide.”

“Our core principles are independence, neutrality, impartiality, non-interference, cooperation, and partnership with the host country and its citizens. These principles guide us throughout the mission. Election Observation is the legacy of the EU,” she said.

Initial findings based on the observations will be released on May 14, two days after the elections. A final, comprehensive report, complete with recommendations for future electoral processes in the Philippines, will be presented to national stakeholders and made public at a later date.

On his 80th birthday last Friday (March 28), rallies supporting ICC-detained former President Rodrigo Duterte took place not just in the Philippines, but across the globe—with a curious level of organization and funding.

Before these rallies, digital posters widely circulated among Duterte supporters calling for a celebration of his birthday in detention.

In her article on Vera Files, journalist Ellen Tordesillas exposed an online poster with text in Chinese calling for a tribute to “national hero” on his natal day while also lashing out at his critics.

Tordesillas also noted that Chinese social media calls Sara Duterte “the next Philippine president.”

The logistics and digital amplification behind the demonstrations of support for the detained Duterte raise troubling questions. Why is such a high-profile pro-Duterte campaign spreading on Chinese platforms? Is there really grassroots enthusiasm?

Apparently, China continues to back Duterte, who during his presidency practically gave away our islands and waters to his friend Xi Jinping.

But inside the C-suite of the Philippine telecommunications industry, there are whispers that a Chinese global company among them is providing funding to prop up these demonstrations and the propaganda machine surrounding Duterte.