Hontiveros asks Palace to summon Chinese envoy over poll interference
Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau.
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang should summon Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian over Beijing’s alleged interference in the midterm polls, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Friday.
Hontiveros made the call after National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya sounded the alarm on possible Chinese poll meddling in May 12 elections in a Senate hearing on Thursday,
READ: China: We have no interest to interfere with PH elections
Hontiveros said the NSC and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency should investigate further, while the Commission on Elections should also look into the matter, which she noted is an election offense.
“Malacanang must also summon the Chinese ambassador,” she said in a statement.
China denial
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Thursday said Beijing follows the principle of non-interference, noting that it has “no interest” in meddling with the Philippine elections.
“Although China has denied the accusations, our concerned government agencies must thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those attempting to influence our democratic process, whether they are foreign entities or local collaborators,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada in a statement on Friday.
Sen. Joel Villanueva and Estrada both called the alleged interference an “affront” to the country’s democracy and sovereignty.
Villanueva said in a statement: ”Any foreign interference, especially in our elections, is an affront to our democracy. We must safeguard the integrity of our elections and protect our country at all costs.”
“Any potential security threats and foreign interference in the May 12 midterm elections constitute a serious affront to our national sovereignty and the integrity of our electoral system,” Estrada said.
“The sanctity of the ballot must be protected at all costs,” he added.
