The Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI) has denounced as “malicious and misleading” recent online allegations claiming that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. currently holds a foreign passport.
ARRAPI leaders dismissed the circulating rumor that Teodoro is a holder of a Maltese passport as “a desperate attempt to discredit a highly qualified and patriotic public servant.”
“Secretary Teodoro has already renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, long before returning to government service. These claims are baseless and politically motivated,” said ARRAPI President Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata.
“Let us not allow fake news to undermine the credibility of someone who has dedicated his life to public service and national defense,” he added.
The Department of National Defense earlier released an official statement clarifying that Teodoro no longer holds a foreign passport, affirming that he has fully complied with all legal and constitutional requirements to serve in public office.
ARRAPI chairman Lt. Col. Michael Romero said the timing of the fake news was suspicious.
“These attacks appear just as Secretary Teodoro is pushing forward key reforms to modernize the AFP and strengthen our territorial defense. We must remain focused on what matters—national security, not political noise,” Romero said.
ARRAPI, which now boasts a membership of nearly 7,000 reservists nationwide, reaffirmed its support for Teodoro’s leadership, citing his clear vision, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of soldiers and reservists alike.
“Fake news has no place in a democracy. We stand behind Secretary Teodoro and his mission to defend the Republic,” Mata said.
