Malacañang on Tuesday announced that the sanctions imposed by Beijing on Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. will not impact his official functions or leadership.
The administration emphasized that Teodoro continues to execute his mandate in complete accordance with Philippine laws, the Constitution, and executive directives.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) manages the diplomatic elements of the situation, the Philippine government functions under its own sovereign legal authority regarding state officials.
“Ang China ay may sariling batas, may sarili silang polisiya. Gayun din naman po ang Pilipinas,” Castro remarked.
Castro added that the Defense Chief remains focused on his responsibilities, asserting that external penalties will not weaken the government’s resolve to safeguard national interests and territorial integrity.
“Si Secretary Gibo bilang Defense Secretary ay gumaganap lang sa kanyang tungkulin, sa kanyang mandato na naaayon sa batas, naaayon sa Konstitusyon at naaayon sa polisiya ng administrasyon,” she added.
The punitive measures enacted by China include a travel restriction preventing Teodoro and his family from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. It also bars Chinese citizens and businesses from entering into any financial transactions with them.
The DFA criticized the sanctions, labeling them as an unfriendly action that creates unnecessary friction in the already tense relationship between Manila and Beijing.
Teodoro, who has consistently condemned Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea, dismissed the move as a predictable tactic designed to intimidate officials who oppose Beijing’s maritime incursions.