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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teodoro shuns political plans; 'focused' on job as defense chief

Teodoro shuns political plans; 'focused' on job as defense chief

Published Jul 13, 2026 03:55 pm
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (fourth from left) leads the unveiling of a memorial bust of the late congressman Carlos “Papay” R. Imperial with local government officials and representatives of Bicol University in Legazpi City, Albay on July 13, 2026. (Martin A. Sadongdong/Manila Bulletin)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (fourth from left) leads the unveiling of a memorial bust of the late congressman Carlos “Papay” R. Imperial with local government officials and representatives of Bicol University in Legazpi City, Albay on July 13, 2026. (Martin A. Sadongdong/Manila Bulletin)
DARAGA, Albay — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday, July 13, said he is not thinking about any political plans for 2028, saying his priority is to fulfill his responsibilities at the DND and continue the military's ongoing transformation.
In an ambush interview after attending the unveiling of a memorial bust for the late congressman Carlos "Papay" R. Imperial at Bicol University, Teodoro said it would not be healthy for him to focus on politics at this time.
"Sa ngayon palagay ko hindi malusog para sa akin na isipin 'yan kasi ang daming nakasalalay sa akin, na hindi lang ang ating Pangulo, kung hindi ating mga convergence partners, pati na ang DND, AFP, itina-transform natin sila sa isang journey. So, sa panahong ito, mas mabuti pagtuunan ko ng pansin ang trabaho ko," he said.
Teodoro added that whatever political opportunities may come in the future should happen naturally.
"Ngayon, kung anong mangyari sa politika, mangyayari 'yan. Hindi natin pwedeng pilitin. Kung uukol, bubukol. Pero the best way probably is to concentrate on your job," he said.
Teodoro was in Daraga as guest of honor during the unveiling of a memorial bust of Imperial, the patriarch of one of Bicol's best-known political families.
Imperial was one of the three principal authors and sponsors of Republic Act No. 5521, the law that established Bicol University on June 21, 1969.
During his speech, Teodoro also underscored the importance of teaching institutional and local history, saying it is vital in preserving cultural identity and resisting historical revisionism.

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