Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Sunday clarified his recent statements concerning government officials who dissent from the Philippines’ official position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He stressed that public servants are legally bound to uphold established national policy or contest it through proper judicial channels.
Addressing the controversy sparked by his comments at a public forum, Teodoro emphasized that his stance is anchored in the legal duties of public office rather than personal or political opinions.
“One cannot ask a public official to resign just because of a belief. There must be a violation of a law or a regulation,” he said.
During the forum, Teodoro suggested that elected officials who align with Beijing’s maritime claims should consider stepping down if they cannot defend Philippine sovereignty, adding that dissenting officials have the right to petition the Supreme Court.
Legal Grounds and Administrative Order No. 29
Teodoro grounded his argument on Administrative Order No. 29, issued by President Benigno Aquino III in 2012, which formally designated maritime zones west of the Philippine archipelago as the “West Philippine Sea.”
The Philippines maintains its stance based on this directive and the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims—a decision Beijing continues to reject.
“I was careful in using as basis A.O. 29 series of 2012, concerning the West Philippine Sea. Since the A.O. was issued in pursuance of and under law, it forms part of the law of the land,” Teodoro stressed.
“If a public official cannot uphold these, then the duty is clear. Uphold or file an action to declare the rule or law unconstitutional. Until that time there is no option but to uphold the law. If a public official cannot conform to these requisites, then the only option is to resign,” he noted.
He further cited the Philippines’ submission to the United Nations for an extended continental shelf off Bajo de Masinloc, filed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through the Department of Foreign Affairs, as an extension of this legal mandate.
“Are they not supporting this? If not, then what is their sworn duty?” Teodoro asked.
A Challenge to Dissenters and Critique of Misinformation
Teodoro challenged dissenting officials to make their positions public, asserting that their stances will leave a permanent record for history to judge.
“They will be remembered by future generations, our people, our soldiers, and especially by the fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales who are most affected by China’s illegal and fabricated activities,” he said.
The defense chief also criticized selective reporting and misleading headlines, warning against distorted narratives surrounding his statements.
“Before I make any statement, I carefully lay down my premises. Please do not rely on headlines that attempt to frame my statements. To do so would be an injustice to our people and to patriotic Filipinos,” he said.
“This clarification is clear. It just needs to be read and understood. If some, despite this, still persist in distorting my message then that is on them and not me,” he added.