Ad firm summoned to Senate probe on China-funded trolls

A Senate committee has summoned a Makati-based marketing firm to attend the panel's next investigation on the company's alleged role in deploying China-funded trolls to influence the May 12 midterm elections.

- By MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the chamber's special committee on maritime and admiralty zones has invited InfinitUs Marketing Solutions Inc. to its May 5 hearing.

Tolentino's committee is investigating allegations of foreign espionage and interference after unearthing a "service agreement" between InfinitUs and the Chinese embassy for the deployment of "keyboard warriors" or trolls to portray China in a good light on its coast guard's incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

Tolentino said this was part of China's information warfare to promote the candidacies of pro-Beijing candidates and bring down the ones deemed hostile.

The firm was founded by Paul Li and Myka Basco in 2018. Li is managing partner and Basco the marketing director.

The STAR has sought the side of the officials through the company email address but got no response.