Defense Secretary Teodoro Clarifies Call for Officials to Uphold West Philippine Sea Law or Resign

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. clarified his earlier remarks regarding public officials’ responsibilities toward the country’s policy on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing that calls for resignation are grounded in legal obligations rather than personal beliefs. His statement, issued Sunday, underscored that officials must either uphold Philippine laws on the WPS, challenge them through proper legal channels, or step down if they cannot comply.

Teodoro specifically referenced Administrative Order No. 29, series of 2012, which officially designated the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago as the West Philippine Sea. He explained that this order was issued pursuant to law and therefore forms part of the law of the land. As such, public officials are sworn to obey and uphold all laws, rules, and regulations issued in accordance with the law.

The Defense Secretary stressed that if officials disagree with the country’s maritime policies, the appropriate course of action is to file a legal challenge to declare the rule or law unconstitutional. Until such a ruling is made, officials are bound by their oath to uphold the law. Should they fail to conform to these requisites, resignation becomes the only option.

Teodoro also questioned whether critics of the government’s WPS stance are opposing the country’s position before the United Nations (UN), which oversees international law and maritime agreements, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He noted that the Philippines recently submitted a claim for an extended continental shelf covering waters around Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales, an area affected by China’s contested activities.

He remarked that officials who oppose the country’s position at the UN should openly declare their stance, which would leave a lasting mark in history and be remembered by future generations, especially the fishermen in Masinloc who are most impacted by China’s actions. Teodoro also lamented the spread of misleading reports about his earlier comments, attributing the controversy to “fake news.”

The clarification came after Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte criticized Teodoro’s initial remarks. Duterte argued that elected officials are chosen by the Filipino people, not the Defense Secretary, and urged Teodoro to present evidence if he believes any officials are betraying the country. He cautioned against repeatedly demanding resignations as if Teodoro owned the government.

Duterte also raised allegations about Teodoro’s citizenship status, which the Defense Secretary has previously denied. The Department of National Defense confirmed that Teodoro renounced his Maltese passport in 2021. Duterte further stated that the role of the Defense Secretary is not to administer “loyalty tests” to elected officials.

Teodoro’s clarification highlights the legal framework governing public officials’ duties regarding the West Philippine Sea and reiterates the options available to those who may disagree with the government’s policy: uphold the law, challenge it in court, or resign. The issue remains sensitive amid ongoing territorial disputes and the Philippines’ efforts to assert its maritime claims internationally.