By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A group of lawyers and taxpayers has filed a complaint before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office seeking a preliminary investigation into alleged citizenship and passport-related issues involving Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.
In a 16-page joint complaint-affidavit, petitioners Russel Miraflor, Jerry Hondrado, Antonio Balondo Jr., and Ernie Arimala urged prosecutors to determine whether probable cause exists to pursue criminal charges against the defense chief.
The complainants alleged that Teodoro may have violated Republic Act No. 8239, or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, by allegedly making false declarations in connection with a Philippine passport application and by allegedly using, or attempting to use, a passport obtained through such declarations.
They likewise cited possible violations of provisions of the Revised Penal Code concerning falsification of public documents and perjury.
According to the complainants, their action was not intended to harass or embarrass the Cabinet official but to ensure accountability in the submission of official government records.
“As lawyers and taxpayers, we have a legitimate legal and public interest in ensuring that official documents filed before government agencies, particularly passport applications, contain truthful and complete information,” the complaint stated.
The petitioners asked the prosecutor’s office to secure certified copies of relevant passport records, travel documents, citizenship retention or reacquisition records, and other official documents that could help determine whether sufficient grounds exist for criminal prosecution.
They argued that such records are necessary to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and to enable prosecutors to make an informed determination on the existence or absence of probable cause.
The Department of National Defense (DND), however, swiftly rejected the complaint, describing it as a case built on unverified claims and unsupported assertions.
In a statement, DND Assistant Secretary Erik Dy said the complainants appeared to be asking government agencies to gather evidence on their behalf rather than presenting proof to support their accusations.
“The burden of proof rests on those who make the accusation,” Dy said.
He stressed that allegations of perjury and falsification require competent and credible evidence, not conjecture or speculation.
“A complaint for perjury requires competent evidence, not assumptions or a fishing expedition in search of proof. Until credible and verified evidence is presented, these remain unproven accusations,” Dy added.
The filing of the complaint comes amid continuing public scrutiny of government officials and renewed calls for transparency and accountability in matters involving citizenship and official records.
As of press time, Teodoro had yet to issue a personal statement on the complaint.
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