Teodoro unfazed by China sanctions, vows to keep defending PH interests

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said he will continue to carry out his duties and defend the country's interests despite sanctions imposed by China against him and his family.

“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception. Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse,” he said in a statement.

“I will just keep doing my duty and uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas,” he added.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier announced sanctions against Teodoro and his family, claiming he had "repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China" that allegedly undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral relations.

Under the sanctions, Teodoro, his wife, and child are prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Chinese entities are also barred from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with them.

Beijing said the measures were imposed to "safeguard China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests," but did not identify the specific remarks that prompted the sanctions.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) criticized China’s move, describing it as "an unfriendly act."

"While the imposition of sanctions is China's sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations," the DFA said.

"Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries," it added.

The sanctions come amid tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputes in the West Philippine Sea. —VAL, GMA News