The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned Tuesday that foreign funding allegedly being used to influence political or economic elites in the Philippines could pose a national security risk and weaken the country’s resolve to defend its interests.
Speaking to defense reporters, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (ret.) said foreign financial support intended to advance the interests of an adversary could undermine the rule of law and the government’s position on national issues.
“When we see foreign funding coming in, used to further the stand of an adversary, used to co-opt political elite or economic elite, of whatever reason, used to further phony in-country, then these are actions that undermine the rule of law, that undermine the government stand," Trinidad said.
"These are actions designed to weaken our resolve to stand up for what is ours,” he added.
Trinidad made the statement amid allegations raised by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV involving China-linked financial transactions allegedly connected to entities associated with Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.
The allegations remain under investigation. The National Security Council said Tuesday that reported significant foreign financial flows that could have national security implications warrant a “careful, in-depth, and responsible assessment.”
Trinidad stressed that the AFP has previously monitored possible foreign funding linked to groups advocating destabilization of the government, saying foreign interference may extend beyond maritime activities to political and economic affairs.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said that if the allegations concerning China-linked funds are substantiated, they could have serious national security implications.
China, meanwhile, has denied allegations that it funneled money to a Philippine political faction, with the Chinese Embassy describing the claims as a “false narrative.”
