Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon is pushing for a congressional investigation into the apparent overlap between online personalities defending Vice President Sara Duterte and those supporting China amid escalating tensions over the West Philippine Sea.
Ridon said he and other lawmakers are preparing a House resolution to examine the suspected networks. He questioned why the same personalities appeared to defend the Dutertes one day and China the next.
“Kapansin-pansin, isang araw ang pagitan. Isang araw pinagtatanggol ang mga Duterte, ipinagtanggol ang pangalawang pangulo, but immediately afterward, the next day, ang ipinagtatanggol na po, China na mismo,” Ridon said.
Ridon said their social media output appeared focused on defending the Duterte family and China. He called them the “same talking heads” and said Congress should consider dismantling the suspected network if warranted.
His call comes amid a diplomatic dispute after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan said China could defeat the Philippines in a conflict but would refrain from using force. Philippine officials condemned the remark as threatening, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, summoned Jing on Oct. 19. Beijing disputed Manila’s interpretation.
Ridon said political disagreements should not compromise the defense of Philippine territory and national interests.
“Kasi puwede tayong magtunggalian sa pulitika, kung sino ang dapat mamuno sa bansa pero kailangan po natin magkaroon ng red line dito sa usapin po ng pagtatanggol sa bayan laban sa mga dayuhan na humahamak po sa ating mga teritoryo at mga interest ng ating bansa,” he said.
An October 2025 Reuters investigation found that the Chinese Embassy financed a Philippine marketing firm’s use of fake Facebook accounts to promote pro-Beijing messaging and undermine support for Philippine maritime claims. Meta removed accounts identified in the investigation. The firm denied involvement in illicit digital activities.
The Reuters findings did not establish links to Duterte supporters. Ridon’s allegation remains unproven, with no congressional findings establishing a connection between the networks.
