Palace raises alarm over alleged poll interference; China denies interest in PH elections

Malacañang has expressed alarm over reports of possible Chinese interference in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

- ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS and BETHEENA UNITE

But China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun denied this by saying that it has no interest in interfering with the Philippines' upcoming midterm elections.

"China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections," Guo stressed.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the National Security Council (NSC) disclosed that it has observed indicators of foreign meddling, prompting a call for a deeper investigation.

While the NSC has yet to publicly release specific evidence or indicators, the Palace Press Officer said the administration is treating the matter seriously.

"Ito po ay talagang nakakaalarma at paiigtingin pa po natin ang-sa utos na rin po ng ating administrasyon na imbestigahan ng malalim para malaman po natin kung anuman ang katotohanan patungkol po dito (This is truly alarming, and we will intensify-upon the order of the administration-a deeper investigation to determine the truth behind this)," she said.

According to Castro, the Palace has yet to receive additional information beyond what was initially shared by the NSC.

"Sa ngayon po, ang sinabi po sa atin ay pag-iimbestigahan pa po muna para malaman natin kung ano pa po ang mga detalye dito at kung ano po ang nakapaloob sa mga ganitong klaseng pangyayari (As of now, we've been told that the matter will first be investigated to uncover more details and understand what is involved in incidents like this)," she said.

She added that further details may come after consultations with the NSC.