Palace backs Gibo on pro-China execs’ resignation
The Philippine government has defended Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s call for officials to resign if they do not support the country's stance on the West Philippine Sea. This follows criticism from Representative Paolo Duterte, who accused the defense chief of imposing a loyalty test.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights internal political tensions in the Philippines regarding foreign policy and national security in the South China Sea.
MANILA, Philippines - Malaca ang sees nothing wrong with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's call for the resignation of state officials siding with China on the West Philippine Sea issue.
"This is not an issue of loyalty. All of us Filipinos - our hearts, beliefs and battle - should solely be for the Philippines," Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said yesterday.
Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte earlier accused Teodoro of "demonizing" China and supposedly imposing a loyalty test on Filipinos.
Officials disagreeing and refusing to uphold the country's WPS policy can question it before the courts or resign from their posts, Teodoro said earlier.
Duterte's remarks are "very alarming," Castro said, as it "suggests that his loyalty to the Philippines is wavering."
Over the weekend, China condemned the Philippines' baseline of territories, claiming Manila violated the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
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