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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romero: Maltese passport rumor 'desperate attempt' to smear Teodoro's name

Romero: Maltese passport rumor 'desperate attempt' to smear Teodoro's name

Published Jul 14, 2025 06:47 pm

At A Glance

  • The Maltese passport rumor is a "desperate attempt to discredit a highly qualified and patriotic public servant" in Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.
1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (left), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. (Contributed photo, PPAB)
1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero (left), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. (Contributed photo, PPAB)


The Maltese passport rumor is a "desperate attempt to discredit a highly qualified and patriotic public servant" in Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.
Thus, said former 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero as he took up the cudgels for Teodoro on Monday, July 14 following the spread of “malicious and misleading” allegations that the latter had a Maltese passport.
Romero, a reservist lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and president of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI), said he found the timing of what he described as “fake news” as “highly suspicious".
“These baseless claims surface just as Secretary Teodoro is pushing for key reforms to modernize the AFP and strengthen our territorial defense, especially in the West Philippine Sea. We must remain focused on what matters - national security, not political noise,” he said in a statement.
He called on the defense and military establishment to remain supportive of Teodoro and to continue to be steadfast against efforts to divide its ranks.
“We need cohesion and unity in the face of these attacks on our leaders,” added the former House deputy speaker and three-term congressman.
Romero said such reports have no place in a democratic society like the Philippines. He called on Filipinos to be vigilant against disinformation being peddled online as legitimate news.
He noted that Teodoro himself and the DND have already denied the online allegations. According to the agency, Teodoro renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, long before returning to government service.
In behalf of ARRAPI--which now boasts a membership of nearly 7,000 reservists nationwide--Romero reaffirmed his group’s support for Teodoro’s leadership, citing his clear vision, decisive action and unwavering commitment to the welfare of soldiers and reservists alike.
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