Who’s pro-China? Those who don’t recognize West Philippine Sea - Gibo
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that the Department of National Defense uses objective criteria to evaluate officials, dismissing a challenge from Vice President Sara Duterte to name 'pro-China' individuals. Teodoro emphasized that government officials are bound by law to recognize the West Philippine Sea.
Why it matters
The exchange reflects ongoing political friction in the Philippines regarding national sovereignty and the country's stance on territorial disputes with China.
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) follows only "objective criteria and no other standard" in appraising reputation of citizens, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said as he shrugged off Vice President Sara Duterte's dare that he name pro-China officials.
"In this situation, the standard is simple: who not only opposes AO29, but also refuses to recognize it - both elements being necessary, especially in light of our recent filing of nautical charts for Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag," he said.
He was referring to Administrative Order No. 29 signed by then president Benigno Aquino III on Sept. 5, 2012 officially adopting the name West Philippine Sea for portions of the South China Sea located on the western side of the Philippine archipelago that fall within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
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