By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities and protecting Philippine sovereignty, stressing that national security remains a top priority amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Teodoro said the Philippines will continue to defend its sovereign rights under international law while pursuing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program through the acquisition of advanced defense systems, improved surveillance capabilities and stronger strategic partnerships with allied nations.
Teodoro also reiterated his strong condemnation of China’s recent actions, including the circulation of an artificial intelligence-generated video portraying Filipinos as “monkeys,” describing it as a racist and unacceptable act that has no place in responsible statecraft. He maintained that such propaganda would neither weaken the resolve of the Filipino people nor alter the country’s position in defending its lawful maritime rights.
The defense chief likewise stood firm against China’s repeated references to an alleged “gentlemen’s agreement” involving the previous Duterte administration over the West Philippine Sea, insisting that no undisclosed arrangement can override the Constitution, Philippine laws or the country’s sovereign rights under international law. He stressed that the nation’s maritime entitlements are non-negotiable and cannot be surrendered through informal understandings.
Beyond territorial defense, Teodoro said the country’s security strategy now includes cyber resilience, disaster response and countering hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. He emphasized the need for closer coordination among government agencies to protect critical infrastructure and national security.
He added that strengthening a credible defense posture is essential not only for safeguarding Philippine sovereignty but also for ensuring long-term peace, regional stability and national development.
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