Clarifying a recent broadsheet article.
Through its Spokesperson, Asec. Arsenio R. Andolong, the Department of Defense (DND) has responded to a recent article published by the Manila Times.
In which, it is as reported that Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro, Jr. holds a valid passport issued by Malta, which would have made him a dual citizen.
As such, Teodoro would have also been unqualified to serve his position due to the restrictions set by the 1987 Constitution.
Andolong clarified in the statement, “The alleged existing Maltese passport of Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections.“
The spokesperson also shared that the existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) prior to the 2022 elections—when Teodoro ran for Senator, but lost.
Moreover, it was also likewise reported to the Committee on Appointments (CA) prior to their confirmation of Teodoro’s appointment as Defense Secretary.
“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” Andolong ended.
Manila Times has not yet issued a comment, but published the DND’s statement on its website.
Teodoro has serve as the Philippines Secretary of Defense twice, having first assumed the role from 2007 until 2009 under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
He was then re-appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in June 2023, succeeding officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez and has also survived the mass resignation ordered by the incumbent last May, which was triggered by the mid-term polls.