Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan strongly denounced China’s decision to impose sanctions on National Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Saturday, calling the move a direct affront to Philippine sovereignty and governance.
Pangilinan argued that targeting the defense chief for performing his official duties constitutes an attack on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration and the country’s constitutional system.
“By imposing sanctions on the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, China is striking at the sovereign decisions of the Republic of the Philippines,” Pangilinan asserted.
He emphasized that Teodoro, as the President’s top official on national security, is simply executing state policy.
Pangilinan described the sanctions as part of China’s ongoing aggression toward the Philippines, contrasting it with Manila’s adherence to diplomatic restraint and international law, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea.
“By sanctioning a sitting Cabinet member for defending an arbitral ruling and asserting rights guaranteed under international law, China diminishes its own standing in the community of nations,” he remarked.
Drawing from personal experience, Pangilinan noted that he also faced Chinese sanctions in 2023 while serving as chairperson of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).
Warning that appeasement only encourages further intimidation, he urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to take decisive action.
“In solidarity with Secretary Gibo, I call on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to formally protest China’s sanctions against him and his family,” the senator said.
With the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award approaching on July 12, Pangilinan reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime rights against foreign pressure.