Philippines prioritizes cybersecurity alongside traditional defense measures

The Philippines is shifting its defense focus from traditional territorial protection to include cybersecurity. Recent aggressive actions by China in the West Philippine Sea highlight the need for a robust military response, but cyber threats also pose significant risks. As technology becomes more integral to daily life, the reliance on digital platforms for news and communication increases vulnerability to misinformation and cyber attacks. A recent survey shows that most Filipinos use social media for news, making them susceptible to misleading information. With the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, strengthening cyber defense is crucial to combat foreign influence and disinformation. Protecting cyberspace is now as important as defending physical territories, requiring collaboration among government, private sectors, and individuals.