Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro has denied recent allegations questioning his eligibility to hold public office due to alleged dual citizenship.
This comes after The Manila Times published an article claiming that Teodoro held a Maltese passport issued in December 2016, valid for ten years.
The report raised concerns over a possible violation of the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits dual citizens from holding government posts, whether elected or appointed.
In a press briefing on Monday, July 14, DND Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong clarified that Secretary Teodoro had already renounced the said passport in 2021, prior to his candidacy for the 2022 Senate elections.
“He gave up that passport before filing for candidacy in 2022,” Andolong stated, emphasizing that Teodoro is fully compliant with constitutional requirements.
Andolong further hinted that the resurfacing of the issue could be politically motivated, aimed at damaging Teodoro’s credibility—particularly amid his strong stance on asserting Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” Andolong said.
The department declined to comment further on the circumstances under which the passport was obtained, focusing instead on Teodoro’s record of public service and commitment to national defense.
Teodoro previously served as DND Secretary under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from 2007 to 2009, before running as her administration’s presidential bet in 2010.