Philippines Strengthens International Cybersecurity Alliances Ahead of 2025 Elections
- paolo bibat
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
In a proactive move to safeguard the integrity of its upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, the Philippines has forged robust cybersecurity partnerships with Canada and other like-minded nations.
This collaborative effort aims to build cyber-resilient systems and protect democratic processes from foreign interference and the spread of disinformation.
The Stratbase Institute, in cooperation with the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines, recently hosted a pivotal two-day conference on cybersecurity. This event brought together ambassadors from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Germany to discuss strategies for combating cyber threats.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, emphasized the significant potential for regional collaboration on cybersecurity initiatives. He highlighted the importance of sharing best practices, joint incident response, capacity building, and advocating for responsible state behavior in cyberspace.
The urgency of this international cooperation is underscored by Canada's own experiences with foreign interference in its 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Ambassador Hartman stressed Canada's commitment to addressing the threats posed by disinformation and online manipulation.
Sami Khoury, Senior Official for Cybersecurity at the Government of Canada, identified China as a primary cyber threat, noting its sophisticated and persistent cyber espionage activities. Khoury also warned of the growing risks that artificial intelligence poses to electoral processes and civic engagement.
Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit expressed concern over the weaponization of the digital space, particularly regarding pro-China narratives on the West Philippine Sea issue. He emphasized the critical need for partnerships to strengthen the Philippines' cyber defenses through intelligence sharing, technology transfers, and training.
The conference also featured insights from other diplomatic representatives. British Ambassador Laure Beaufils highlighted the shared challenges of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro called for a global commitment to an open and transparent digital world, while German Ambassador Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke emphasized the importance of cyber diplomacy in fostering a safe and inclusive global digital community.
This international cybersecurity alliance represents a significant step forward in the Philippines' efforts to protect its democratic processes and national sovereignty in the face of evolving cyber threats. As the 2025 midterm elections approach, these collaborative efforts are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and security of the electoral process
