Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday, June 12, shrugged off sanctions imposed by China against him and his family, saying the move would not stop him from carrying out his duties and speaking out against Beijing's illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement released by the DND, Teodoro said the sanctions were China’s way of dealing with people who speak out against its actions.

“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” he said.

“Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse,” the defense chief added.

China announced on Thursday that it had barred Teodoro, his spouse, and child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. It also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in transactions, cooperation, or other activities with them.

China's Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were imposed to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Beijing claimed the defense chief had repeatedly made “irresponsible remarks” that harmed China's interests and damaged China-Philippines relations. The ministry did not identify the specific statements that prompted the action.

In recent years, Teodoro has repeatedly made pointed remarks against China's actions in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last month, Teodoro criticized China's continued presence in the WPS and accused Beijing of undermining efforts to conclude a regional code of conduct.

Despite the sanctions, Teodoro said he would not be deterred from speaking out against China’s activities in WPS, most recent of which was the deployment of a movable floating platform in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), which raised fears of possible man-made reclamation.

“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 said.