Carpio warns of 'Manchurian candidates' in Eleksyon 2025

Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has warned against “Manchurian candidates”—politicians allegedly under the control of a foreign power, particularly China—running in Eleksyon 2025.

“This election is not purely about internal politics, about internal matters, because there is a country that wants to grab our maritime zones and island territories. So, we should be careful not to vote for Manchurian candidates, candidates who will do China's bidding,” Carpio said in an interview with the Stratbase Institute on Monday.

He pointed out that in recent years, some elected officials have favored China over the Philippines' national interests. 

"We should avoid such situations because we just might lose the West Philippine Sea," he warned.

Carpio also alleged that certain candidates received financial backing from China, which, he claimed, uses campaign funding as a tool to influence foreign governments.

“Those who are pro-China, they (China) can give campaign funds to. That's usually what other countries do if they want to destabilize a certain state. I expect China to do that,” he said.

While Carpio did not name specific candidates, he urged voters to scrutinize their track records, as their true stance may become evident after the elections.

Uphold national sovereignty

Meanwhile, Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit reminded voters of the Philippines' 2016 arbitral tribunal victory, which rejected China’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“Anyone who disregards this ruling, disregards the national sovereignty of the Philippines—such a person cannot be trusted to lead the country,” Manhit said.

“Upholding our arbitral victory is not just a matter of policy but a fundamental duty of any leader who claims to serve the nation. Ignoring it means turning a blind eye to our territorial integrity,” he added.

Defense expert retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong also warned against electing leaders with pro-China leanings.

“A leader who favors China does not just betray the Filipino people—they endanger our nation’s future. It means surrendering our territorial integrity, allowing China’s relentless island reclamation, and watching as our maritime environment is destroyed,” said Ong.

Sought for comment, the Chinese Embassy responded, "Thank you. We have no interest in interference with any election. We all know who he (Carpio) is." — DVM, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.