MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, October 14, strongly rejected claims that the Philippines is a source of instability in Southeast Asia, pointing the finger squarely at China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea and surrounding areas.
Teodoro’s remarks came in response to statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte, who earlier questioned if Filipinos were being discouraged from dealing with China and echoed labels depicting the Philippines as a regional “troublemaker”.
A similar narrative has been repeatedly pushed by the Chinese Embassy in Manila following maritime confrontations.
Defending the courage and duty of Filipino frontline personnel, Teodoro dismissed the notion that soldiers securing disputed maritime zones are at fault.
”Can you say that our soldiers who are sacrificing there are troublemakers when they are only fighting for our rights in those waters, which are part of the future sustainability of our country?” Teodoro told defense reporters during an online briefing.
He emphasized that Beijing’s overstepping boundaries have caused widespread alarm globally, drawing criticism not just from Manila, but from numerous international stakeholders.
”The troublemaker here is China alone. Why do ASEAN countries want a Code of Conduct with China? Within ASEAN, there is no need for a code of conduct. China is the one overstepping. Why have Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and even Pacific island countries raised concerns about China? The answer from China is always the same: ‘provocative,'” Teodoro stated.
Addressing commercial dealings, the defense chief clarified that ordinary citizens face no restrictions when conducting business with China. However, he noted that transactions involving public officials—particularly those shaping policies tied to national sovereignty—require rigorous vetting by investigative authorities.
”It is not prohibited for Filipinos to do business with China. But the question is whether a public official can have business transactions at a certain level. Some are allowed, some are not, and that is a question to be determined by the proper investigative authorities,” he explained.
Teodoro reiterated that the country’s foreign policy and defense stance remain anchored on the Constitution, the 2016 arbitral award, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
”Kaya ang troublemaker dito, ang China lang,” Teodoro stressed, adding, “The Philippines is only defending its future.”