Manila, Jan. 26 -- Malacanang on Monday said it is monitoring reports that foreign entities may be attempting to influence Philippine public discourse, including alleged Chinese propaganda in local media.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro acknowledged concerns raised by the non-profit group SeaLight, which claimed that the Chinese Embassy is allegedly directing Chinese-language media in the Philippines to advance Beijing's narrative.

"Matagal na pong nababalita na may ibang bansa na nakikialam sa ating politika. Pero ayon na rin po sa PCO [Presidential Communications Office], iginagalang po natin ang freedom of expression, ang freedom of speech, ngunit kinukondena natin ang anumang disinformation o fake news (It has long been reported ...