‘Don’t vote for pro-China candidates in May elections’

MANILA, Philippines — Two allies of President Marcos in the House of Representatives yesterday urged voters to reject local and national candidates in the May 12 elections who support China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea.

In separate statements, Reps. Jay Khonghun of Zambales’ first district and Paolo Ortega V of La Union’s first district warned of the dangers of electing pro-Beijing officials, for both local and national posts.

House Deputy Majority Leader Ortega issued his statement following reports that a Chinese vessel had deployed a sonic device against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Zambales. The device, which emits deafening noise, posed serious risks to the health and safety of Philippine personnel.

“This is no longer just about the West Philippine Sea – it’s about our future as a nation,” he warned.

“Supporting candidates who are soft on China is the same as endorsing the harassment of our Coast Guard and the exploitation of our natural resources,” he added.

Ortega condemned the recent incident between China and PCG as “an audacious act of aggression,” warning that continued tolerance of China’s actions could jeopardize the country’s sovereignty.

Khonghun, on the other hand, issued a statement echoing the public’s sentiment after a recent Pulse Asia survey found that 73 percent of Filipinos would reject candidates perceived as pro-China, reflecting a nationwide sentiment of distrust toward the foreign power.

“The people’s message is crystal clear. They will not accept candidates who have been supportive of China from the very beginning. And the elections this May will be one opportunity where they can show to us they won’t sell our sovereignty,” he said.

Similarly, a March survey conducted by OCTA Research last year revealed that 76 percent of Filipinos identified China as the country’s “greatest threat,” highlighting significant concerns over territorial integrity and national security.

Given these findings, Khonghun emphasized the importance of a strong and united stand against foreign aggression, reminding voters to recognize the impact of their choices on the nation’s future.

“Our vote is our weapon against these candidates who allow themselves to be used by China. Let’s not destroy our future,” he said.

“It’s high time that we show to the whole world that we are united as a country,” Khonghun, who also sits as the House special committee on base conversion chairman, further declared.

Ortega, meanwhile, noted that China’s aggression is not only a territorial issue but also an economic one.

“This is about oil, gas and fish that belong to Filipinos. Electing leaders who sell out our patrimony for political gain is a betrayal of our nation,” he pointed out.

For this reason, he urged voters to treat their ballots as a weapon of defense against foreign encroachment, saying, “A vote for pro-China candidates is a vote against the heroes who fought for our independence, the fishermen fighting for their livelihood and the Coast Guard risking their lives to protect our seas.”