PDP-Laban bets linked to Chinese Communist Party without hard evidence
- FactRakers
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
A video circulating online claims without offering evidence that senatorial candidates endorsed by Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) are receiving financial support from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Originally posted on TikTok by @arjayangelesrn on May 11 and reshared in the Facebook group Leni Angat Buhay Pilipinas on May 12, the video alleges that billions of pesos from China are being funneled into the campaigns of PDP-Laban candidates, calling them “Chinese Communist Party candidates.” It also said they benefit from troll farms allegedly funded by China.
Umuulan ng pera! Oo, umuulan ng pera galing sa China! Pero ang tumatakbo lang ay ang mga kandidato ni Duterte. Sila ang sumasahod ng bilyon-bilyong piso na pinakawalan ng China para sila ay magkaroon ng laban sa eleksyon. Sila rin ang nakikinabang sa mga troll farms na pinopondohan ng China (It's raining money! Yes, it's raining money from China! But only Duterte's candidates are on the move. They're the ones receiving billions of pesos released by China to give them an edge in the elections. They're also the ones benefiting from troll farms funded by China).
The allegations coincide with growing concerns over foreign interference in Philippine elections.
The video lifted a clip in a Net25 report on April 25, “Operasyon ng troll farm na umano’y pinopondohan ng China ibinunyag ni Sen. Tolentino,” in which Sen. Francis Tolentino voiced concerns over purported Chinese-backed involvement in troll operations, but did not name PDP-Laban candidates or present evidence of CCP involvement.
There is no public record or credible evidence confirming any financial or organizational relationship between PDP-Laban candidates and the CCP.
The Commission on Elections has not issued any statement on foreign interference benefiting PDP-Laban or any other Philippine political party. No legitimate news organization has corroborated the claims made in the viral video.
An opening scene in the TikTok video shows individuals waving Chinese flags while money rains from the sky, which Sightengine’s AI detection tool flags as 99% likely AI-generated.
Footage of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping was taken from the official coverage of Xi’s state visit to the Philippines on Nov. 20, 2018 by Radio Television Malacañang–unrelated to this year’s midterm elections.
As of 6 p.m. on May 12, the TikTok video has gathered 412 likes, 93 comments, 42 bookmarks and 146 shares. The repost on Facebook has 53 likes, eight comments and 21 shares. (PA)
