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MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers and military officials have condemned China for its move to ban Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
In separate statements, lawmakers slammed China’s act and lauded Teodoro, who has been asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
For Sen. Francis Pangilinan, a lawyer, China’s move is not only an affront to Teodoro, but also to the president, being the defense secretary as his alter ego and the Philippines’ “constitutional order.”
“This marks a clear escalation in China’s pattern of coercion and intimidation against a smaller neighbor that, despite repeated provocations, has consistently responded with diplomacy, restraint, and adherence to the rule of law. The Philippines has chosen legal remedies, including the legally binding 2016 arbitral award, and transparent, rules-based engagement instead of brinkmanship,” Pangilinan said.
“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. Such actions undermine its claim to be a responsible major power and only strengthen the resolve of democracies — big and small — to stand together against coercion,” he added.
On June 11, China’s foreign ministry said it has barred Teodoro and his family from entering Chinese territory over his supposed “irresponsible” remarks on China.
It claimed that the Defense chief has repeatedly made comments that “[undermine] China’s legitimate interests and [sabotage] China-Philippines relations.”
The ban covers Teodoro, his spouse, and their child across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. Under the ministry’s directive, no Chinese individual or entity is permitted to conduct business, cooperate, or interact with the family.
Teodoro has been a vocal critic of China’s conduct in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China Sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
In response to China’s ban, Teodoro said that he will still continue performing his duties and supporting government efforts to address alleged illegal activities he linked to foreign entities.
For Rep. Percival Cedaña, China’s decision to bar Secretary Teodoro and his family from entering its territories and doing business with its citizens is proof of his courageous defense of Philippine sovereignty.
“I laud Sec. Gibo Teodoro's consistent defense of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea,” Cedaña said.
“Sec. Teodoro joins the honor roll of individuals who have earned Beijing's ire for their actions to defend the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Not a punishment
China’s ban on Teodoro is not a punishment, but a citation for service to the country, according to Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.
He said China’s act is proof of how fearless and effective Teodoro is against China’s bullying and illegal activities.
“Beijing can bar whomever it likes—that is their right. But sanctioning a man and his family for telling the truth and standing up for his country’s sovereignty is not strength. It is a confession that one honest Filipino voice unsettles China more than any ship in our waters!” Tarriela’s post read.
For the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), China’s act undermined the “legitimate exercise of our nation’s sovereign rights and the principled defense of Philippine national interests.”
“Secretary Teodoro has consistently advocated for the protection of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and within our Exclusive Economic Zone. He has likewise been at the forefront of efforts to expose and address illegal activities, espionage-related threats, and other actions that undermine Philippine security and national interests,” the AFP said.
