Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun on Wednesday, March 26 prodded the Marcos administration to pursue criminal charges against so-called "wumaos" or the individuals who were being paid to spread pro-China propaganda at the expense of Philippine sovereignty.

These persons must be charged criminally such as for cyberlibel, espionage, sedition or even terrorism, Khoghun said.

"Wumaos" comes from the Chinese phrase "wu mao dang," or "50-cent party" that refers to individuals paid to post pro-government propaganda.

"Wumaos are not just online trolls. They are dangerous enablers of foreign aggression,” Khonghun said.

“If their actions cross the line into aiding the enemy, spreading disinformation, or sabotaging national interest, they must be held criminally liable," he added.

According to Khonghun, such individuals were observed to be defending Chinese incursions as well as downplaying harassment of Filipino fishermen and attacking the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the government online.

For him, the government should not allow Filipino citizens to act as mouthpieces for a foreign power, especially as tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) escalate.

His call came as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed it was monitoring 20 vloggers linked to disinformation campaigns. NBI Director Jaime Santiago said these vloggers are being tracked for spreading fake news targeting government officials and stoking political unrest.

He added that the NBI was also investigating possible funders and leaders behind the vloggers.

Khonghun said treason is difficult to prove, but other laws could apply against them.

These include the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the Anti-Espionage Law, provisions in the Revised Penal Code on sedition or inciting rebellion, and the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“Our laws exist to protect the Republic from enemies, foreign or domestic,” Khonghun said.

"If you’re a Filipino justifying China’s illegal actions, mocking our troops, and spreading lies, don’t hide behind free speech. You’re not an activist—you’re an accomplice," he added.

Khonghun said the fight for sovereignty wasn’t just waged in the sea.

“It’s on social media, in our classrooms, in our news feeds,” he said.

"We must not let traitors win the war of narratives. You are either for the Philippines or against it. There is no middle ground when it comes to defending our sovereignty," he added.