Author: Rhod Tecson

The United States of America has revealed to the world that China has been spending “billions of dollars annually on foreign information manipulation”. In a report published by the US State Department’s Global Engagement Center (GEC), it said that China has engaged in acquiring stakes in foreign media, sponsored online influencers and even sought to co-opt with foreign political elites and journalists. The mission include propaganda, disinformation and censorship while promoting positive news about China and the ruling Communist Party.

After a long hiatus from K and C dramas, I recently found myself watching the popular Fireworks of My Heart, a Chinese drama top-billed by actors Yang Yang and Wang Churan.

The Commission on Audit (COA) recently uncovered P7.43 billion worth of medicines that are either expired (P2.39 million and/or near expiry (P86 million), damaged (P56,376.00), overstocked (P203 million), excessive, understocked (P879,233.00), slow-moving (P5.61 billion), undistributed (P1.5 billion), distributed late and/or accepted below 18 months (18 million).”

Vice President Sara Duterte is pissed. The budget of her office and the budget of the education department is being scrutinized to the highest degree by legislators from both chambers.

China is apparently winning the propaganda war at the West Philippine Sea. One thing is certain though, as they have all the resources and maritime capability, they are one and united in making their claim.