Amid the threats of foreign interference and the spread of disinformation that undermine electoral processes ahead of the May 2025 midterm polls, the Philippines partnered with Canada and other like-minded nations to build cyber-resilient systems and safeguard democracy.

(From left) Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Prof. Victor Dindo Manhit, German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, and EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro.

The Stratbase Institute partnered with the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines to bring together ambassadors of Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Germany to a two-day conference on cybersecurity.

“There is tremendous potential for Canada and the Philippines, as well as other partners in the region, to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives. Our countries can share best practices and lessons learned, work together on incident response, enhance capacity building and advocate together for responsible state behavior in cyberspace,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.

Similar to the Philippines, Canada is concerned about malicious cybersecurity threats that attack their critical infrastructure and spread online disinformation campaigns.

A Canadian public inquiry once found that multiple foreign states engaged in malicious activities to undermine Canada’s sovereignty during their 2019 and 2021 federal elections, the ambassador shared.

Foreign actors

“Foreign state actors are increasingly using the information space to interfere in Canada’s internal affairs and to undermine our sovereignty… Let me be blunt: Canada is clear-eyed about the threat that disinformation and online manipulation present, and we are very serious about responding to it,” Hartman stressed.

Senior Official for Cybersecurity at the Government of Canada Sami Khoury identified China as a “cyber actor” and emphasized the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) to electoral processes and civic engagement.

“China continues to be the cyber actor that almost certainly poses the greatest ongoing cyber espionage threat,” Khoury said.

“Their cyber activities outpace those of other nations in volume, sophistication, and the breadth of their targeting. They are well-resourced, persistent, and capable of sustaining multiple campaigns simultaneously,” he warned.

Weaponized

Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit also expressed his concern over online disinformation and foreign interference as the Philippines prepares for the May 2025 elections.

He noted how “foreign actors” use Filipinos to spread disinformation online, particularly about the West Philippine Sea, and thus affect the decision-making ahead of the May polls.

“The digital space, once a tool for democracy, is now weaponized. Pro-China narratives and propaganda infiltrate social media, distorting public opinion and undermining sovereignty—particularly on issues like the West Philippine Sea,” Manhit said.

This is why it is important for the Philippines to partner with like-minded partners such as Canada in strengthening the country’s cyber defense.

“We must continue working with like-minded partners such as Canada to share threat intelligence, facilitate technology transfers, and engage in trainings, among others. It is through these that we will be able to fill any gaps in cyber defense. Leveraging the contributions and expertise of the government, private sector, civil society, and like-minded partners is crucial amid today’s evolving cyber landscape,” the Stratbase chief explained.

Cyber diplomacy

Top diplomats from other countries and regions also shared their experience in fighting cyber threats and agreed on the need to strengthen collaboration with like-minded partners like the Philippines.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils shared that the Philippines and United Kingdom continue to fight the same threats.

“Both of our countries have suffered ransomware attacks on critical healthcare systems and seen our governance targeted by hostile states. Sharing intelligence, building resilience, and taking down these actors together are key to keeping our societies secure,” Beaufils said.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro highlighted that a “global commitment” will lead to an open and transparent digital world.

“By working together, we strengthen not only our capacities, but also our global commitment for a democratic, open and transparent digital world. We are sure that we can build a cyberspace that is not only secure, but equitable, inclusive and future-proof,” the envoy said.

German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke talked about the role of cyber diplomacy where everyone can contribute to the digital world.

“Cyber diplomacy is not merely about protecting networks and systems. It’s about fostering a global community where all nations, individuals, and organizations can safely and freely participate in the digital world.”

Similarly, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Melvin Castelino Anthony highlighted the critical role that multilateral engagement plays in tackling cybersecurity challenges.

“With technology rapidly evolving, it is intentional to maintain the momentum of international discussions to establish clear norms, principles and cooperative mechanisms that guide state behaviour in cyberspace,” he said.