West PH Sea: Palace backs Teodoro’s call for pro-China officials to quit

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday supported Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s call for government officials who side with China on issues involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to consider resigning from their posts.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro endorsed Teodoro’s remarks, saying the Marcos administration sees nothing wrong with his position.

“We don’t see anything wrong with it. The President and the administration see nothing wrong with what Secretary Gibo Teodoro said. It is an expression of love for our country,” she said at a briefing.

READ: Teodoro: Beijing must change conduct before ties can ‘reset’

Meanwhile, Castro described as “very alarming” Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s criticism of Teodoro, after the lawmaker accused the defense chief of “demonizing China” and acting as though he were imposing a loyalty test.

“What we’re talking about here are Filipinos. A Filipino’s heart should belong only to the Philippines. This is not about loyalty. Every Filipino’s heart, convictions, and the cause they fight for should be the Philippines alone,” she said.

“So, if Congressman Pulong Duterte is raising the issue of Filipinos’ loyalty to the Philippines, that is highly questionable. It is very alarming for a lawmaker like him to appear to be showing that his loyalty to the Philippines is not unwavering,” Castro added.

READ: Teodoro urges vigilance over PH-China cultural exchange

Asked about officials who echo China’s narrative on the disputed West Philippine Sea, Castro challenged them to “come out.”

“Perhaps it would be better if those who share Congressman Pulong Duterte’s views came out openly so we can see who truly loves the Philippines,” she said.

Castro also stressed that the administration distinguishes between maintaining ties with China and defending the country’s sovereign interests.

The Philippines has good relations with China when it comes to trade, investment, and business, she said.

“What cannot be conflated is maintaining business ties and good relations with China with protecting the Philippines’ national interests,” she said. /dl