ALYANSA’S TULFO SLAMS CHINESE AGGRESSION AIMED TO CONTROL CONGRESS IN WPS ROW
In a fiery rebuke against Beijing, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo on Friday sounded the alarm on China’s aggressive tactics in the West Philippine Sea, warning that ongoing maritime harassment is part of a broader strategy to exert influence over Philippine politics, including the possibility of a “Chinese-controlled Congress.” “Obviously, ang lumalabas parang gusto ng China, Chinese-controlled Senate, Chinese-controlled House of Representatives,” Tulfo said during a press conference in Pangasinan with fellow Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates on April 25.
Tulfo said the West Philippine Sea confrontations, including Chinese water cannons targeting Filipino vessels, serve as a “smoke screen” to distract from deeper espionage operations within the country. “Kasagsagan, kainitan, habol dito, bangga doon … Little did we know, mayroon pala sila dito sa kabila, ‘yong kanilang mga spies na kumukuha na ng video, litrato sa mga vital installation sites natin sa Malacañang, Camp Aguinaldo, etc.,” Tulfo said.
He echoed concerns raised by Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, who has led Senate investigations into alleged Chinese state-sponsored interference in the Philippines’ internal affairs, including attempts to influence the upcoming May 2025 elections. Tolentino earlier revealed evidence of troll farms, spy networks, and even Chinese checks being funneled to social media operations. Tulfo said the public must recognize the broader implications of foreign meddling. “It’s up to us, it’s up to our people kung gusto nating mangyari ito na we have a Chinese-controlled Senate and a House of Representatives controlled by China,” he said.
He urged voters to support candidates who would defend Philippine sovereignty, warning of the dangers if pro-China officials gain power. “Kung ano ang ibubulong sa Senators natin, ano ‘yong ibubulong sa mga congressman natin then it will happen,” he said. Tulso stressed that defending national sovereignty goes beyond rhetoric, and as the country approaches election day, his message was clear. “We have to stop this para ho talagang masiguro na ‘yong pondo ng Congress, ng Senate, napupunta sa tama,” he said.
