Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday, September 13, raised the possibility of Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. becoming president as he praised the latter’s firm defense of the Philippines’ sovereignty and position under international law.
Lacson made the remark after Teodoro represented the Philippines at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in Seoul, South Korea, on September 8, where he challenged Chinese delegates over their objection to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.
According to Lacson, Teodoro’s response demonstrated the kind of leadership and intellect the Philippines could showcase on the international stage.
“Imagine a ‘President Gilbert Teodoro’ alongside global leaders: the world would inevitably ask why a nation led by such a brilliant mind remains poor and underdeveloped,” Lacson said in a social media post.
During the security forum, an event staff member delivered a note from a Chinese delegate disputing the arbitration ruling and claiming that it violated “fundamental principles of international law.”
Teodoro read the note publicly and reiterated the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), pointing out that China appeared to reject the convention only after losing the arbitration case.
The Defense secretary also called on China to observe “basic decency and behavior,” telling its representatives to show decency and shame.
Reports said South Korean social media users commended Teodoro’s remarks, describing his response as “elegant anger in human language.”
In his address, Teodoro said China’s position amounted not only to disrespect for international law but also to a lack of basic decency toward South Korea and the other participants attending the forum.
Teodoro has previously said he remains open to pursuing the presidency in the 2028 elections but stressed that his priority for now is his responsibility as defense secretary.
He previously sought the presidency in the 2010 elections as the administration candidate of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but lost to his cousin, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.