Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson Khonghun (Dexter Barro II/MANILA BULLETIN)

House Assistant Majority Leader Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun has raised concerns over possible foreign interference in the upcoming May 12 mid-term elections.

“Mas delikado kung ang paniniktik ay nauuwi sa impluwensya sa eleksyon. Dapat nating tukuyin kung may mga kandidato na maaaring nagsisilbi sa dayuhang interes at siguruhing hindi sila makakuha ng posisyon sa gobyerno,” Khonghun said over the weekend.

(It would be more dangerous if espionage ends up influencing the elections. We need to determine if there are candidates who are serving foreign interests and to ensure that they won't get positions in government.)

The "Young Guns" bloc member's warning came some two weeks after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reportdd that it had apprehended five individuals—two Chinese nationals and three Filipinos—for alleged violations of the Espionage Act. 

Authorities revealed that the group was reportedly conducting surveillance on sensitive sites in Metro Manila, including Malacañang, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Kung may mga pulitikong hindi para sa interes ng bayan kundi para sa ibang bansa, dapat silang ibunyag at panagutin. Hindi tayo pwedeng magpabaya,” Khongun added.

(If there are politicians who favor foreign nations' interests over our country, then they should be unmasked and held accountable. We can't be negligent.)

The NBI discovered that the group of alleged spies utilized vehicles equipped with International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers--devices capable of intercepting mobile communications. 

The Filipino suspects claimed they were hired as drivers by one of the Chinese nationals, and received daily wages between ₱2,500 and ₱3,000, and were instructed to operate near key government facilities. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of the two Chinese suspects at a condominium in Malate, Manila.

This incident follows a similar case in January 2025, when five Chinese nationals were arrested for allegedly monitoring Philippine Coast Guard and Navy operations in Palawan.

The suspects were found to have installed high-resolution, solar-powered cameras aimed at critical maritime activities, including the resupply missions to troops stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Authorities who conducted the recent operations found unauthorized surveillance devices and detailed maps of restricted government zones in the possession of the suspects. These findings suggest a coordinated effort to infiltrate and gather sensitive information.

Senatorial bets 'silent'

In a separate statement Monday, March 3, Khonghun called out certain senatorial candidates over their silence amid the growing threat of Chinese espionage in the Philippines.

Khonghun, chairman of the House Special Committee on Bases Conversion, stressed that national security should be a top priority for anyone aspiring to become a senator, even as je noted the mounting evidence of intelligence-gathering operations linked to China.

“Those who wish to serve in the Senate must prove they have the resolve to protect our country. Silence is not an option,” he said. He did not mention any names. 

The solon raised the possibility of having foreign-backed candidates in the polls or cybermanipulation of election results. He urged transparency and vigilance in monitoring potential external interventions.

“The Filipino people must be watchful. Hindi lang ito usapin ng depensa–maari rin itong gamitin para baguhin ang resulta ng ating halalan. Hindi natin dapat hayaang maimpluwensiyahan ng dayuhan ang ating demokrasya,” Khonghun said.

(This is not just about defense--this can also be used to change the results of our elections. We must not let foreigners influence our democracy.)