Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. (left), Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Ranking congressmen have welcomed Filipinos' rejection of Beijing ’s alleged aggression and disinformation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) ahead of the May 12 mid-term elections, where there are supposedly pro-Philippines and pro-China candidates.

Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-Jay" Suarez were referring to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, the results of which indicated that 75 percent of Filipinos prefer poll candidates who assert Philippine sovereignty against China’s aggressive actions.

“Maliwanag są resulta ng survey na malawak ang suporta ng mga kababayan natin sa mga senatorial candidate ng Pangulong BBM (The survey results clearly show that our fellow citizens widely support the senatorial candidates of President Bongbong Marcos)," Gonzales said.

“I hope that the 75 percent preference for pro-Philippines candidates would manifest for actual votes for Team Pinas candidates,” he said, referring to the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial ticket.

Suarez, for his part, said the overwhelming support for pro-sovereignty candidates reflects the Filipino people’s clear desire for a strong, independent future.

“Now is the time to stand as one. Pilipinas muna. Pilipinas palagi (Philippines first. Philippines always),” Suarez said.

“The Filipino people have spoken. They reject China’s bullying, and they reject candidates who would allow foreign powers to trample on our rights. This is a fight for our sovereignty, our future, and our dignity as a nation,” he added.

The SWS survey--commissioned by Stratbase--conducted from April 11 to 14 among 1,800 respondents nationwide, also highlighted vulnerabilities exploited by China’s disinformation operations.

Suarez warned that China’s activities are not confined to maritime aggression but extend deeply into efforts to manipulate public opinion and influence elections.

“China’s aggression is not only in our seas but also in our social media, our communities, and now even in our elections. We must wake up to this reality. Sovereignty is not just defended on the water; it must also be defended in the hearts and minds of our people,” he said.

'Dangerous' candidates

Suarez also pointed to recent findings from a Senate inquiry confirming security reports that China was actively trying to interfere in the May 2025 mid-term elections through coordinated disinformation and covert political backing.

“This is no longer speculation. China’s hand is trying to shape our future by propping up candidates who are weak on sovereignty. These candidates are not just naïve; they are dangerous. Leaders who are compromised by foreign interests have no business leading a free Filipino nation,” Suarez said.

He urged voters to reject candidates who cannot be trusted to stand up to foreign aggression and manipulation.

“This election is a choice between sovereignty and submission. The administration-backed Alyansa offers candidates who will never waver in defending our people and our future,” Suarez said.