Former PCO secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles (Facebook)

Former Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles admitted during the House tri-committee (tri-comm) hearing on fake news and disinformation Friday, March 21 that China sponsors seminars abroad for pro-Duterte vloggers from the Philippines. 

During the hearing, House Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David “Jayjay” Suarez quizzed Cruz-Angeles about the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China and its role in training media practitioners from different countries.

Suarez showed a photo of the attendees to the NRTA seminar, with Cruz-Angeles and other pro-Duterte vloggers in it.

“You are fully aware that they do conduct training programs for media practitioners mula sa iba’t-ibang bansa?” Suarez asked. 

Cruz-Angeles--who had since become an administration critic--confirmed her awareness of such programs, and acknowledged that she was among the invitees. She said the seminar took place from May 23 to June 5, 2023, in China. 

When pressed by Suarez about who funded the trip, Cruz-Angeles admitted that the seminar was “sponsored", with the Chinese government covering travel, accommodation, and seminar costs. 

“Yes, sir,” she confirmed when asked if China had paid for everything.

The former PCO chief revealed that the invitation came directly from the Chinese Embassy, which regularly selects participants for such programs. 

“They conduct these regularly, I understand,” she said, adding that mainstream media practitioners were also invited at different times.

Suarez emphasized that the program was a “state-funded activity” of China aimed at training media practitioners, including vloggers. Cruz-Angeles acknowledged that the seminar introduced attendees to emerging trends in social media.

“They introduced new techniques in social media such as short-form videos, how to take them and other technical aspects. They also gave a background on China,” she said.

Suarez also grilled another pro-Duterte vlogger in Mark Anthony Lopez, who confirmed his participation in 2023 seminar.

“Sir, yan lang po ‘yung na-attendan ko po (Sir, that's the only seminar that I attended),” Lopez said.

Curious, the Deputy Speaker asked whether or not the seminar influenced their work. 

“Would you think that the seminar that you attended affected your perspective or the work that you do?” Suarez asked.

Cruz-Angeles downplayed its impact on her political views, and said she was already well-versed in China’s history. “The new learning was their teaching of short-form videos – reels, TikTok and one-minute YouTube videos,” she explained.

Lopez, on the other hand, said he gained an understanding of “how China media works".