Philippine law targeting foreign agents spurs fears of free speech curbs

Philippine officials are proposing a new anti-foreign interference law ahead of the 2028 presidential election, driven by national security concerns linked to a raid on a suspected online scam center near the military headquarters and reports of Chinese-linked money transfers to a company associated with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio's family. On Monday, 76 foreigners were arrested by immigration and military operatives at a facility in Quezon City, suspected of connections to Philippine offshore gaming operators.