Defense chief Teodoro continues to enjoy Marcos' trust—Palace
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Marcos amid accusations that he has dual citizenship, Malacañang said.
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (MANILA BULLETIN)
"Secretary Gibo still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Tuesday, July 15.
Castro also said that Marcos is aware that Teodoro held a Maltese passport, saying it was on records and both the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Commission on Appointments (CA) are also aware of the matter.
"Opo, alam po, kasi nasa records naman po iyan even the Comelec pati po iyong Commission on Appointments, alam po nila (Yes, he knows, because that's on record and even the Comelec and CA know about it)," Castro said.
In a statement on Monday, DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said the alleged existing Maltese passport of Teodoro was already surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 senatorial elections.
Asked about the possible motive behind the dual citizenship issue, Castro said "only Secretary Gibo Teodoro can comment on it."
In his statement, Andolong also said "the motive of this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive."