Cybersecurity as National Security: A Call to Action
MANILA, Philippines — Cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns have become a growing “shadow war” targeting Filipinos, experts warn. This silent battle threatens the very core of democracy, prompting calls for the government to prioritize cybersecurity as a critical national security issue.
Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, president of the Stratbase Institute, emphasized this during the 4th Civil-Military Operations Forum organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He highlighted that information warfare now poses a severe risk to democratic institutions and public trust.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern; it is a fundamental pillar of our national security,” Manhit stated in his presentation titled “Democracies in the Age of Disinformation and Misinformation.” He added, “In an age where wars are fought through narratives and algorithms, securing our digital space means securing our sovereignty.”
Digital Threats and the Erosion of Democracy
Manhit pointed out that digital vulnerabilities became especially evident during the recent elections. “Democratic decline is not always ushered in by tanks and coups,” he said. Instead, it often emerges through unchecked digital manipulation, cyberattacks, and influence operations.
He called for an evolution of the national security strategy to defend against these covert invasions. “Our national security strategy must evolve to defend against these silent invasions,” he stressed.
Among the threats are foreign-backed disinformation campaigns aimed at boosting pro-China narratives, undermining the Philippines’ claims over the West Philippine Sea, and sowing distrust in democratic institutions. These campaigns operate through troll farms, fake news networks, and algorithm-driven content that distorts public discourse.
“In today’s multipolar and digitally driven world, the battlefield has expanded to our newsfeeds, comment sections, and social media timelines,” Manhit said. He warned, “To win this war, we must recognize that the manipulation of information is as powerful as the use of force.”
Concerns Over the Konektadong Pinoy Bill
Manhit also raised serious concerns about the proposed Senate Bill No. 2699, known as the “Konektadong Pinoy Bill.” He warned that the legislation lacks sufficient cybersecurity and data privacy safeguards.
“The Data Privacy Act will still offer some protection, but the real concern lies in the Konektadong Pinoy Bill’s provision that gives data transmission providers up to two years before they are required to be ready for a cybersecurity audit. That’s a dangerously long window of vulnerability,” Manhit explained.
Moreover, the bill could permit foreign firms to operate in the Philippines without strict restrictions. Under the current draft, the Department of Information and Communications Technology cannot block a provider solely because of its foreign origin, especially if it is not officially state-owned.
“Once such a provider enters, it could be fully owned and staffed by Chinese nationals. Under Chinese law, citizens are obligated to cooperate with their government, including through espionage if required. This raises serious national security concerns that the bill fails to address,” Manhit warned.
Strategies to Combat Disinformation and Protect Democracy
To counter these challenges, Manhit urged stronger, fact-based digital initiatives that promote truth and uphold democratic values. He recommended using public opinion polling, grassroots social media campaigns, data analysis, and content production across both traditional and digital platforms.
“We must frame the debate, shape the narrative, and protect the minds of our people from being hijacked by disinformation,” he concluded.
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