Palace backs Gibo Teodoro’s call for pro-China gov’t officials to resign

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang defended Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro’s call for "pro-China" government officials to resign following criticism from Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Polong" Duterte.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Monday, August 3, that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sees "nothing wrong" with Teodoro’s challenge to government officials, as it is only an expression of love for the country.

“Ang sabi nga ng pangulo, pagdating sa pagpoprotekta sa ating interest, kahit ano man ang ating kulay, kahit magkakaiba ang pananaw sa ibang issues pero ang patungkol sa pagmamahal sa bansa, hindi ito pinag-uusapan,” Castro said.

(As the president said, when it comes to protecting our national interest, despite differences in political affiliation and views on other issues, our love for the country is never in question.)

Teodoro had earlier said that elected public officials should consider resigning if they side with China and do not uphold the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea dispute.

He later clarified his statement, citing Administrative Order No. 29 signed by former President Benigno Aquino III, which made the "West Philippine Sea" name official.

“If a public official cannot uphold these, then the duty is clear! Uphold or file an action to declare the rule or law unconstitutional. Until that time, there is no option but to uphold the law. If a public official cannot conform to these requisites, then the only option is to resign,” Teodoro said.

On August 2, Duterte publicly called out Teodoro on social media for allegedly "demonizing China" and told him to "stop administering loyalty tests to government officials as if he owns the government."

Castro countered Duterte’s "loyalty test" remark, saying it is "questionable" for a lawmaker to hold such a position.

“Very alarming para sa isang katulad niya na mambabatas na parang nagpapakita na ang kanyang loyalty ay hindi solido sa Pilipinas,” Castro said.

(It is very alarming for a lawmaker like him to seem to show that his loyalty to the Philippines is not solid.)

The Palace spokesperson also backed Teodoro’s call and urged government officials who share the same sentiments as Duterte to reveal themselves.

“Mas maganda po siguro talaga kung kayo po ay nagpapakita ng katulad ng pananaw ni Congressman Pulong Duterte, mas magandang lumantad na sila para makita natin kung sino ba talaga ang totoong nagmamahal sa bansang Pilipinas,” Castro said.

(It would probably be better if those who share the same views as Congressman Pulong Duterte reveal themselves so we can see who truly loves the Philippines.)