Malacañang defended Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. over China's imposition of sanctions against him, saying he was just performing his duties.

While the Palace recognized that China has its own laws and policies, Teodoro was also doing his job in accordance with the Philippine Constitution.

"Nagsalita na po ang DFA patungkol diyan. Ang China ay may sariling batas, may sarili silang polisiya. Ganyan din naman ang Pilipinas (The Department of Foreign Affairs has already spoken on that matter. China has its own laws and policies, just as the Philippines has its own)," Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing on Tuesday, June 16.

"Si Secretary Gibo, bilang Defense secretary, ay gumaganap lang sa kanyang tungkulin, sa kanyang mandato, nang naayon sa batas, naayon sa Konstitusyon, at naaayon sa polisiya ng administrasyon (Secretary Gibo, in his capacity as Defense secretary, is simply carrying out his duties and mandate in accordance with the law, the Constitution, and the policies of the administration)," Castro added.

The DFA called China's sanctions against Teodoro an "unfriendly act" that could further strain the relations between Manila and Beijing.

China barred Teodoro, his spouse, and child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Beijing also prohibited Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting business transactions, cooperation, or other activities with the defense chief and his family.

China said the move aims to uphold its sovereignty, security, and development interests. While China did not specify which remarks led to the sanctions, its foreign ministry accused Teodoro of having “repeatedly made irresponsible remarks on China” that allegedly undermined the country’s legitimate interests and damaged China-Philippines relations.