La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (left), Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (PPAB)

Citing heightened stakes, House "Young Guns" bloc members La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun are asking Filipinos not to vote for election candidates who are "pro-China".

Ortega’s call came after reports that a Chinese vessel deployed a sonic device against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship near Zambales in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The device, which emits a deafening noise, posed serious risks to the health and safety of Philippine personnel, said the deputy majority leader.

“This is no longer just about the [WPS]—it’s about our future as a nation,” Ortega said.

“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.

Instead, Ortega said Filipinos "must elect leaders who put the Philippines first—leaders who champion our flag in every forum and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our people in adversity".

The sonic attack--the first of its kind in Philippine waters--signals a dangerous escalation in Chinese hostilities and is "an audacious act of aggression", Ortega said.

The mid-term elections will take place on May 12.

Beijing has consistently fortified its presence in the disputed waters, using militia vessels, water cannons, and now acoustic weapons to intimidate Philippine forces and fishermen.

Ortega urged voters to treat their ballots as a weapon of defense against foreign encroachment.

“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,” he noted.

Khonghun points to survey results

Khonghun, an assistant majority leader, pointed to recent survey results showing a growing number of Filipinos opposing China’s aggressive actions in Philippine waters.

These include a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute revealed that 73 percent of Filipinos would not support candidates perceived to be pro-China, which reflected a nationwide sentiment of distrust towards the foreign power.

Similarly, an OCTA Research survey in March 2024 found that 76 percent of Filipinos view China as the country’s “greatest threat,” which underscored deep-seated concerns over territorial integrity and national security.

“Malinaw ang mensahe ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi nila tatanggapin ang mga kandidato na pumapanig sa China. Ang eleksyon ngayong Mayo ay pagkakataon nating ipakita na hindi natin ibebenta ang ating soberanya,” Khonghun stressed.

(The people’s message is clear. They will not accept candidates who side with China. The May polls are our opportunity to show that our sovereignty isn't for sale.)

Echoing Ortega’s remarks, the Zambales solon said, "We must choose leaders who will defend our territorial rights, not those who will bow down to China’s influence."

He also warned against disinformation campaigns aimed at misleading voters into supporting pro-China candidates. “The Chinese propaganda machinery is at work, influencing narratives and promoting their chosen candidates. We must stay vigilant and informed."