MANILA, Philippines — Think tank Stratbase Institute on Tuesday backed an investigation into funds reportedly received by a company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband from China-linked businesses over potential foreign interference.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit expressed support for the National Security Council’s (NSC) move to look into the allegations unveiled during Duterte’s impeachment trial.
READ: Defense cites no China gov’t ties to CALE88; Hontiveros says firms state-linked
On the 33rd day of the impeachment proceedings, Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura confirmed that CALE88 Foods Corp., the food company owned by Duterte’s husband, Atty. Manases Carpio, received more than P319 million in funds from China.
The defense counsel, however, maintained that CALE88 has no ties to the Chinese government.
Following the disclosure, the NSC said it would probe the “national security implications, if any, arising from the reported transactions.”
In a statement, Manhit said the Stratbase Institute “has been consistent in sounding the alarm against attempts by a foreign power to exert undue influence through financial, political, or other channels, particularly as the country continues to face challenges to its national interests and security.”
He said the move is consistent with the country’s protection of its sovereign rights and interests from “possible foreign interference.”
“We maintain that national security must transcend political affiliations,” he added.
He also urged the national government to remain vigilant against undue foreign influence. He said credible evidence pointing to potential external interference must be properly investigated through legal and institutional proceedings.
At the impeachment hearing, another Chinese company, China National Township Enterprises, reportedly made a transaction with CALE88, as shown by Senator-Judge Risa Hontiveros.
Stratbase also highlighted during the hearing that the company was previously under China’s Ministry of Agriculture before becoming a state-owned enterprise that supported the establishment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and foreign policy.
The institute also mentioned Beijing Zhenweifang Company, which, as revealed during the trial, is also linked to CALE88 and has “an embedded CCP presence” in its corporate structure, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. /mcm