Two Chinese nationals stand out among the founders of InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, a public relations firm now under scrutiny. Allegedly, the company was hired by the Chinese Embassy in Manila to recruit trolls who pushed pro-China narratives across the Philippines.
Documents from the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), obtained by a Senate committee investigating Philippine maritime zones, reveal that Min Li and Pin Li, both declaring Chinese nationality, are listed as incorporators. They share an address in Taguig City with Filipino co-founder Christine Bergantinos Li. Other Filipino incorporators include Ruby Benig Gestiada and Myka Isabel Basco, based in Parañaque and Imus City, Cavite, respectively.
Back in 2019, InfinitUs declared a capital of P3 million. Christine Bergantinos Li took the lead with P900,000 in shares, followed by Min Li with P700,000 and Pin Li with P420,000.
Their official purpose, according to SEC filings, is to engage in integrated marketing, communications, and event management. Notably, they avoid advertising and mass media.
The plot thickened during a Senate probe on submersible drones and alleged Chinese espionage in the Philippines. Senator Francis Tolentino pointed to InfinitUs as a key player allegedly hired by the Chinese Embassy to operate “keyboard warriors” in 2023. He presented a Bank of China check dated September 11, 2023, showing a payment of P930,000 to InfinitUs.
“Hindi po ito normal public relations, hindi po ito normal PR campaign,” Tolentino declared. “Ang ginagawa po is to openly provide information and convey the policies of the Chinese government.”
He warned the payment funded something far more sinister. “The money that the Chinese Embassy paid was for something hidden and sinister. It was to finance a troll farm. Troll farm po ‘yun. A covert disinformation and influence operation against the Philippine government and the Filipino people.”
InfinitUs Marketing Solutions has yet to respond to requests for comment. The mystery deepens as questions linger about the true nature of their operations and the impact on the nation’s information landscape.
#PR firm execs hiring trolls