DFA's Lazaro on China banning Teodoro: 'That's their sovereign right'

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Friday expressed belief that China imposing sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family was 'not right,' but it was their right to do so.

This, as China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Teodoro and his wife and child are prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and that entities in China "are prohibited from engaging in any transactions, cooperation, or other activities with Teodoro and his spouse and child."

“Tingin namin, hindi tama ‘yung pag-ban nila kay Secretary Teodoro tsaka sa kanyang pamilya,” Lazaro said in an ambush interview in San Juan City.

(We think it's wrong for China to ban Secretary Teodoro and his family.)

“However, ito nga, dito pa rin eh, sovereign right nila ‘yun eh. Kagaya natin, kung gusto natin i-ban ang certain people, it’s the sovereign right of the Philippines,” she added.

(However, in this situation, it's China’s sovereign right. Just like us, if we want to ban certain people, it's the sovereign right of the Philippines.)

In imposing the sanctions, China's foreign ministry claimed that Teodoro had "repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China" which undermined China's "legitimate interests" and bilateral ties.

Lazaro said that they will still try to discuss the matter with Chinese authorities.

Teodoro, for his part, 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,” Teodoro 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. —VAL, GMA News