Beware of Philippine Senatorial Candidates with Pro-China Stance
by Conrad Domingo, West Philippine Sea Advocate & Author
As the 2025 midterm elections draw near, Filipino voters must approach the ballot with sharper eyes and stronger resolve—because this is not just another political exercise. This year’s senatorial race carries with it the heavy weight of our national sovereignty. Once again, China is brazenly encroaching upon the West Philippine Sea, and once again, our leaders’ responses—or lack thereof—will determine the fate of our territorial integrity.
It is no longer enough to assess candidates based on their domestic promises or charisma on stage. We must look closely at where they stand in the geopolitical battle lines. Do they side with the Filipino people’s rightful claim over the West Philippine Sea, or do they echo the dangerous narrative of appeasement toward Beijing?
Let us be blunt: candidates with a pro-China stance pose a serious threat to the national interest. This is not fear-mongering—it is a reflection of years of territorial bullying, illegal island-building, and harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese forces. Any aspiring senator who chooses to downplay these issues, or worse, justify Beijing’s actions, should not be granted a seat of power.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy will long be debated, but one thing is undeniable: his administration marked a troubling pivot toward China at the expense of Philippine sovereignty.
From the very start of his term, Duterte distanced the Philippines from traditional allies like the United States and cozied up to Beijing under the banner of “independent foreign policy.” In practice, this meant downplaying China’s illegal incursions in the West Philippine Sea, shelving the Philippines’ landmark 2016 arbitral victory, and repeatedly claiming that asserting our rights could spark war—despite the lack of any credible threat from China.
Duterte often described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “friend” and welcomed billions in promised Chinese investments, many of which either failed to materialize or led to questionable debt arrangements. Meanwhile, Filipino fishermen were harassed, our patrols were shadowed, and China continued building military installations on islands that fall squarely within our exclusive economic zone.
What’s most alarming is that Duterte normalized appeasement. He sent the message that the Philippines is willing to compromise its sovereignty for economic promises—and that China can act with impunity in our waters.
PDP–Laban’s Pro-China Candidates: A Red Flag
Among the slate of senatorial candidates, several under the PDP–Laban banner have raised red flags. The party, fractured since Duterte’s presidency, has continued to harbor figures who either enable or directly support China’s strategic ambitions in Philippine waters.
Jimmy Bondoc
Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa
Christopher “Bong” Go
Jesus “Jayvee” Hinlo Jr.
Raul Lambino
Philip “Ipe” Salvador
Rodante “Dante” Marcoleta
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
Sovereignty Is Non-Negotiable
Make no mistake: the West Philippine Sea is not just a maritime issue. It is a matter of food security, economic independence, and national pride. Each reef or shoal lost to Chinese control diminishes our capacity to feed our people, patrol our seas, and stand tall in the global community.
The coming Senate will play a pivotal role in shaping foreign policy, approving defense budgets, and overseeing diplomatic engagements. We cannot afford to fill it with voices that will echo Beijing’s propaganda or dismiss our fishermen’s plight.
This election is a line in the sand.
Voters must demand clarity. Ask every senatorial candidate: Do you recognize the 2016 Hague ruling? Will you support assertive action to defend Philippine sovereignty? Will you hold China accountable for its illegal activities in our waters?
And if they dodge, deflect, or dismiss—then let your vote speak for the nation’s future.
Let’s not allow another inch of our territory to slip away because of silence, cowardice, or complicity. The Philippines needs leaders who will stand up to bullies, not bow to them.
