“Teodoro has become one of the administration’s strongest, clearest voices against China’s brazen aggression in the West Philippine Sea”
Once again, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. finds himself dragged into a controversy that should have died years ago.
The issue? A Maltese passport he legally acquired in 2016 under Malta’s now-defunct investment citizenship program.
Critics claim this makes him Constitutionally unfit to serve as the country’s top defense official. But the facts, repeatedly clarified by Teodoro and supported by official records, expose this for what it is: a contrived smear timed to weaken him at a crucial moment.
Let’s be clear about the law.
The Philippine Constitution bars dual citizens from holding sensitive posts for obvious reasons of allegiance.
But Teodoro renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, well before filing his candidacy for the 2022 elections.
He did so openly, disclosing this to the Commission on Elections, Bureau of Immigration, and Commission on Appointments.
All these agencies, tasked with vetting candidates for constitutional compliance, found no legal obstacle to his run or his subsequent appointment.
So why are we pretending this is new?
Because the controversy is useful—now more than ever. Teodoro has become one of the administration’s strongest, clearest voices against China’s brazen aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
He is pushing to modernize the Armed Forces, tighten our defenses, and rally the military to defend Philippine sovereignty. Naturally, this earns him enemies—foreign and domestic—who would love nothing more than to see him sidelined or discredited.
The question writes itself: Why revive this now? Who gains if the country’s defense chief is painted as disloyal?
The answer is simple: those who want to fracture our defense leadership, muddy the waters in the West Philippine Sea, and sow doubt among Filipinos at a time when unity is vital.
There are also ambitious figures within the administration eyeing his post. And let’s not kid ourselves—Duterte’s allies see an opportunity to score cheap political points by fanning baseless fears.
If there’s anyone who has earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s Gibo Teodoro.
His record is clean.
He served as defense secretary during the Arroyo administration with distinction.
He returned to the same role at a time when the region faces rising threats. His integrity has never been seriously questioned—until now, when it conveniently suits the agenda of those who fear his resolve and competence.
Full disclosure: Gibo and I were classmates in the great UP Law Class of 1989.
We prepared for the Bar together, which he topped. This I know: he is one of the most brilliant Filipino lawyers of our generation and will not make a mistake on his qualifications as a public official.
We have not always agreed on policy, but I have never doubted his integrity or his unwavering love for country.
General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, put it bluntly: “There is absolutely no doubt about his loyalty.
He has always stood for country above all. His record, service, and unwavering commitment speak for themselves.”
The military’s top brass trust him—because they know whose side he’s on. That should matter far more than an old passport long given up.
We should also hold the media to account.
A responsible outlet would have checked the facts with Teodoro himself. This one did not.
Instead, it peddled an incomplete, misleading story designed to inflame and confuse. Worse, it dropped the story just as Teodoro’s stance on national defense has put him on a collision course with powerful interests at home and abroad.
This was not journalism—it was sabotage dressed up as investigative reporting.
In the end, this controversy says more about those spreading it than about Teodoro.
It reveals a willingness to twist facts and weaponize half-truths to weaken a public servant whose only crime is putting country before self-interest.
Filipinos should see through this cheap distraction. At a time when we should stand behind a defense chief with the courage to confront our most pressing security threats, some would rather tear him down with stale accusations and insinuations.
Teodoro did what the law requires. He renounced his foreign citizenship. He disclosed it to all the proper agencies. He has stayed focused on the job—modernizing our military and standing firm against foreign encroachment.
Now it’s our turn to do our part: reject this manufactured controversy and back him in the work that matters—defending our nation’s sovereignty in an increasingly dangerous neighborhood.
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