HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader Zambales Representative Jay Khonghun yesterday raised concerns over the lack of response of some senatorial candidates on the growing threat of Chinese espionage in the Philippines.

Khonghun, chair of the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion, stressed that national security should be a top priority for anyone aspiring to become a senator, with mounting evidence of intelligence-gathering operations linked to China.

Just recently, authorities have arrested suspected foreign spies conducting surveillance on critical government and military sites.

“Napakalaking isyu ng pambansang seguridad, pero bakit tila walang gustong magsalita? Ang Senado ang may tungkulin sa paggawa ng mga batas na magpapalakas sa ating depensa. Dapat marinig natin kung ano ang plano nila para sa ating kaligtasan,” Khonghun said.

Khonghun called on all candidates to break their silence and present their positions on countering external threats to Philippine security, stressing that national defense should not take a backseat in the upcoming elections.

“We need leaders who will stand up for the country. Ngayon ang panahon para ipakita nila na kaya nilang ipaglaban ang Pilipinas,” he said.

Authorities recently dismantled an alleged espionage ring operating in the country. Investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered surveillance activities targeting highly sensitive locations, including Malacañang, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) compound.

Among those arrested were two Chinese nationals found in possession of advanced surveillance equipment capable of intercepting mobile communications.

In January, another group of Chinese nationals was caught monitoring Philippine Coast Guard and Navy operations in Palawan.

Investigators discovered high-resolution, solar-powered cameras positioned near maritime security areas, indicating a concerted effort to gather intelligence on the country’s defense strategies in the West Philippine Sea.

Khonghun stressed the need for immediate action, urging Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro to intensify counterintelligence operations and improve coordination among security agencies.

He warned that repeated breaches by foreign operatives should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers.

Apart from defense concerns, Khonghun also highlighted the potential for foreign interference in the upcoming 2025 elections.

With cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns becoming tools for geopolitical influence, he called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to establish stronger safeguards to prevent foreign manipulation of the electoral process.

He warned that espionage activities could go beyond intelligence-gathering and extend to efforts to influence domestic politics. He raised the possibility of foreign-backed candidates or cybermanipulation of election results, urging transparency and vigilance in monitoring potential external interventions.

The solon also urged voters to be discerning, noting that national security should be a critical factor in choosing future senators. With the Senate playing a crucial role in crafting defense policies, he said candidates must be clear on their stance regarding Philippine sovereignty and security.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas