Hundreds of members of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Monday expressed support for Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. following a report that he holds a Maltese passport.

They slammed the report as “malicious and misleading” and “a desperate attempt to discredit a highly qualified and patriotic public servant.”

“Secretary Teodoro has already renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, long before returning to government service. These claims are baseless and politically motivated,” said ARRAPI President Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata in a statement to the Manila Bulletin. “Let us not allow fake news to undermine the credibility of someone who has dedicated his life to public service and national defense.”

ARRAPI Chairman Lt. Col. Michael Romero said the timing of the fake news is suspicious.

“These attacks appear just as Secretary Teodoro is pushing forward key reforms to modernize the AFP and strengthen our territorial defense. We must remain focused on what matters –national security, not political noise,” Romero said.

The 7,000-strong ARRAPI reaffirmed support for Teodoro’s leadership and cited his clear vision, decisive action, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of soldiers and reservists alike.

They called on the public to verify information through official government channels and to reject attempts to derail the progress being made in the defense sector.

“Fake news has no place in a democracy. We stand behind Secretary Teodoro and his mission to defend the Republic,” Mata said.

The Department of National Defense said Teodoro no longer holds a foreign passport and affirmed that he has fully complied with all legal and constitutional requirements to serve in public office. Teodoro denied the accusations.