Investigation sought into Gibo’s alleged dual citizenship

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MANILA, Philippines —  A complaint was filed yesterday before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office, seeking an investigation into Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s citizenship.

Represented by lawyer Russel Miraflor, complainants Antonio Balondo, Ernie Arimala and Jerry Honrado filed a joint affidavit to look into Teodoro’s alleged dual citizenship and passport records.

Teodoro obtained Maltese citizenship in December 2016 and a passport valid until 2026.

In July 2025, the Department of National Defense said Teodoro had surrendered and renounced his Maltese passport in 2021, just before he filed papers for his failed senatorial bid in the 2022 elections.

The complainants urged the Pasay prosecutor to subpoena certified true copies of records showing that Teodoro indeed renounced his Maltese citizenship.

They asked whether Teodoro’s Filipino citizenship was affected when he acquired Maltese citizenship through naturalization in December 2016.

They also asked whether Teodoro reacquired his Filipino citizenship when he renewed his Philippine passport in March 2017.

Miraflor claimed that after filing the affidavit, some active generals “promised” that they would also file cases against Teodoro. He did not elaborate.

Defense Assistant Secretary Erik Dy said the complaint filed against Teodoro “appears to be built on unverified allegations and attempts to shift the burden of proof to the state by requesting the prosecutor’s office to establish the facts the complainants themselves failed to prove.”