Accountability sought as senators press probe into China-funded trolls

Senate building (File photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Calls for accountability intensified Tuesday as Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Tolentino pressed for a deeper investigation into a Makati-based public relations firm allegedly operating a China-backed troll farm.

Gatchalian urged the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and National Security Council to pursue a full-scale probe into the reported activities of InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. (IMSI).

“If proven true, those involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including charges of treason and other serious criminal offenses,” Gatchalian said in a news release.

“Panagutin at kasuhan ang mga nagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan at kabaluktutan para sa pansariling interes at layuning sirain ang bansa (Hold accountable and prosecute those who spread lies and distortions for personal gain and the purpose of destroying the country),” he added.

The senator’s statement followed Tolentino’s disclosure during a Senate hearing on Monday that IMSI’s denials “fell flat” when presented against new documents detailing its alleged contract with the Chinese embassy to conduct social media operations.

One Chinese-language document outlined a PHP930,000 agreement for “project publicity guidance,” which Tolentino said matched the amount on a check from the embassy dated Sept. 11, 2023.

IMSI co-founder Paul “Pin” Li acknowledged the check’s authenticity but claimed it was used for Covid-19 supplies, a claim Tolentino disputed, citing the pandemic’s declared end in 2022.

Tolentino also criticized the absence of IMSI’s Filipino co-founder Myka Poynton and noted that another incorporator, Christine Li, was excused due to cancer treatment.

He further alleged that troll operations remain active, citing a recruitment notice posted at IMSI’s Makati office seeking TikTok users with at least 200 followers. Li confirmed the notice was genuine.

Travel records presented at the hearing, being done to curb foreign interference in Philippine elections and to safeguard national sovereignty, showed multiple visits to China by IMSI officials, which Li insisted were personal.