The Association of Philippine-China Understanding (APCU) firmly denounced a Reuters news article as “fake news” during a press conference on Tuesday, asserting its unwavering commitment to promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
APCU Chairman Atty. Raul Lambino announced that this would be the group’s final press conference before its upcoming general assembly and election on November 8. He used the platform to deliver a point-by-point rebuttal of a recent report by Reuters journalists McPherson and Karen Lema, which he labeled as a “syndicated international press release” and part of a “dangerous game of geopolitics.”
Chairman Lambino detailed the APCU’s long history, founded in 1974 to foster friendship and diplomatic relations even before formal Philippines-China ties were established in 1975. He acknowledged a period of inactivity during the administration of former President Benigno “PNoy” Aquino III but noted a revival in 2019 under leaders Renato Velasco and later Jeffrey Ng.
Lambino highlighted the organization’s core activities, which include:
- Student and People Exchange Programs: Sending Filipino students to China and hosting Chinese youth in the Philippines.
- Academic Outreach: Establishing Philippine Studies Centers in China.
- Bilateral Recognition: Creating the APCU Awards for Philippines and China Understanding.
“APCU was never accused of being an affiliate of the PROC [People’s Republic of China],” Lambino stated, directly countering the report’s allegations. He clarified that the organization is not a partner of the Communist Party of China (CPC) but rather maintains a partnership with the Chinese Embassy, and is an affiliate of the ASEAN China Friendship Association.
The APCU leadership vigorously refuted the financial and operational implications of the Reuters report.
- On Funding: Lambino asserted that the APCU “never granted huge amounts of money together with the Awards” and is not funded by the CPC.
- On “Fake News”: He revealed that Reuters allegedly cited an unnamed source from APCU, which he discredited. “I hope you can come up with your correction,” Lambino directly challenged the news agency.
- On Geopolitics: Lambino framed the issue as a geopolitical struggle, accusing certain actors of “playing geopolitics not in the interest of the Philippines, but in the interest of America.” He stressed, “APCU is not anti-America. We are pro-Philippines.”
APCU Vice President Ado Paglinawan, who leads the APCU Institute, echoed and intensified these denials. He claimed he was never interviewed by Reuters for their article, which he said also involved an entity called “InfinitUS.” Paglinawan, a 77-year-old public relations veteran, stated, “I’ll stand my ground on this because this is all lie.” He demanded that Reuters instead investigate individuals he claimed are receiving millions of dollars from the U.S.-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
Lambino defended the APCU Awards against the allegation that they are used as propaganda for China, insisting that the selection of awardees is not influenced by political personalities. He also expressed his support for facilitating travel, pushing for a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, and lauding the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) move towards an e-Visa system.
The press conference also touched on sensitive domestic issues. Lambino weighed in on reports about the potential suspension of pensions for retired military officers critical of the government, stating they have a constitutional right to their pension and to freedom of expression.
Paglinawan went further in his criticisms, launching personal attacks against Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro. He claimed Teodoro has not renounced his Maltese citizenship, a serious allegation under Philippine law which generally disqualifies individuals with dual citizenship from high public office . He also backed Vice Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, who was recently involved in discussions in Taiwan, while slamming the defense secretary.
Despite the controversy, the APCU leadership vowed to continue its work. Lambino confirmed that the organization would proceed with all planned activities. He also personally affirmed his readiness to face any consequences for his “unwavering support” for former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The organization now looks toward its November 8 general assembly and elections, aiming to move past the dispute and reaffirm its five-decade-long mission of building bridges between the Philippines and China.#
