NSC to assess alleged China-linked funds tied to Duterte-associated firms

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 07, 2026

Photo courtesy: Multiple Sources

MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council said it will examine reported financial flows from China to Philippine companies linked to the family of Vice President Sara Duterte, amid questions over whether the transactions carry national security implications.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. said the NSC will coordinate with intelligence, investigative and other relevant government agencies to evaluate information that surfaced during Duterte’s ongoing impeachment trial. He stressed that the claims still need to be examined through established legal processes. 

The issue gained attention after Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura testified that Cale88 Foods Corp., a company linked to Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, received about P319.3 million in remittances from mainland China and Hong Kong. 

Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros later said research by her office indicated that some of the Chinese companies involved were state-owned enterprises. Her statement was made during questioning at the impeachment trial and remains part of the broader inquiry into the source and nature of the transactions. 

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV had earlier alleged that China-linked funds went to entities associated with Duterte and Carpio, including Cale88. He argued that the transactions warranted scrutiny because of their possible foreign influence implications. 

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has rejected allegations that Beijing financed a Philippine political faction, calling the claims false and politically motivated. Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng did not identify a specific faction in the statement. 

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has separately said that any evidence of foreign financial support to Philippine political actors could have serious security implications if proven, and urged Trillanes to turn over supporting evidence to law enforcement authorities. 

Armed Forces spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, likewise said the matter should be examined by the proper agencies and that any proven foreign interference could raise security concerns. 

The NSC has not said that the allegations have been established as fact. Its review is focused on determining whether the reported financial transactions have any bearing on national security.