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Teodoro flags possible China-backed support for some politicians amid West Philippine Sea push

Article by J. Salazar

Published on August 26, 2026 06:00PM



MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has said some Filipino politicians may have received support from China to amplify narratives that back Beijing’s operations in the West Philippine Sea, though he stressed that authorities still lack bank records and other evidence needed to prove it. ¹ ² ⁵ ⁹


Teodoro raises suspicion


Teodoro made the remark during a House committee hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of National Defense, after Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Ismula asked whether the agency had credible information about elected officials receiving support from China. He said there were grounds to suspect such support, but added that proving it would be difficult without access to bank deposits and other financial records. ² ³ ¹⁰


He also said he was not prepared to give further details because of possible ongoing law-enforcement evidence-gathering operations. Teodoro added that the department continues to coordinate with law enforcement agencies on the matter. ² ³


Embassy criticism


Teodoro also pointed to the website of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, saying it had gone beyond a diplomatic function and was operating like a propaganda platform. He said Beijing should not enjoy freedoms in the Philippines that it does not extend to Filipinos in China. ² ⁷ ⁸


Official caution


Malacañang urged vigilance against foreign influence in discussions on the West Philippine Sea, while also saying specific politicians should not be named until the allegations are properly investigated. It said national interests should prevail over narratives advanced by other countries. ⁴ ⁶

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Notes:


¹ Inquirer. WPS: Some PH politicians may be helping amplify China ops. https://www.inquirer.net/486137/some-ph-politicians-may-be-helping-amplify-chinas-wps-ops-teodoro


² ABS-CBN News. Teodoro sees 'ground to suspect' some elected PH officials receive support from China. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/8/25/teodoro-sees-ground-to-suspect-some-ph-officials-receive-support-from-china-1450


³ Inquirer. Teodoro: Pro-China PH execs may be receiving 'support'. https://www.inquirer.net/486183/teodoro-pro-china-ph-execs-may-be-receiving-support


⁴ PNA. Palace urges vigilance vs foreign influence in WPS discourse. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1282687


⁵ Tribune. Teodoro: There is ‘ground to suspect’ that some gov’t officials receive support from China. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/08/25/teodoro-there-is-ground-to-suspect-that-some-govt-officials-receive-support-from-china



⁷ Storm. Philippines Battles Chinese Influence: Defense Chief Suspects Officials of Receiving Beijing Support Chang Yu-ping. https://world.storm.mg/articles/1159832


⁸ Asian Century Ph. Teodoro opens a can of worms that compromises ... https://asiancenturyph.com/2026/08/29/teodoro-opens-a-can-of-worms-that-compromises-president-marcos-jr



¹⁰ Manila Bulletin. Palace on politicians' alleged China ties: No one should be used by another country to stay in power. https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/26/palace-on-politicians-alleged-china-ties-no-one-should-be-used-by-another-country-to-stay-in-power

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