Public officials who refuse to uphold the country's policy on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have a legal duty either to question it before the courts or leave government service, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday, Aug. 2, in a clarification issued after his earlier remarks drew mixed reactions.

Teodoro said his previous statement that officials who side with China on the WPS issue should consider resigning was anchored in the obligations of public officials under existing laws, not in their personal beliefs.

“One cannot ask a public official to resign just because of a belief. There must be a violation of a law or a regulation,” he said.

During a public forum last week, Teodoro said elected officials who side with China on the West Philippine Sea issue should consider resigning if they cannot support the Philippines’ position. He also said those who disagree may instead question the policy before the Supreme Court.

However, he mentioned that he specifically cited Administrative Order No. 29, signed by then president Benigno Aquino III in 2012, because it designated WPS as part of the country's official policy.

A.O. 29 institutionalized the use of the term “West Philippine Sea” for the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago. Manila also continues to uphold the 2016 arbitral award that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea, a ruling that Beijing has refused to recognize.

“I was careful in using as basis A.O. 29 series of 2012, concerning the West Philippine Sea. Since the A.O. was issued in pursuance of and under law, it forms part of the law of the land,” Teodoro stressed.

“If a public official cannot uphold these, then the duty is clear. Uphold or file an action to declare the rule or law unconstitutional. Until that time there is no option but to uphold the law. If a public official cannot conform to these requisites, then the only option is to resign,” he noted.

The defense chief also mentioned the country’s recent submission before the United Nations for an extended continental shelf, which was filed through President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He said the claim includes waters surrounding Bajo de Masinloc, which he noted are covered by Administrative Order No. 29.

“Are they not supporting this? If not, then what is their sworn duty?” Teodoro asked.

He said officials who oppose the move should openly declare their position so they would “have left a mark in our history.”

“They will be remembered by future generations, our people, our soldiers, and especially by the fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales who are most affected by China's illegal and fabricated activities,” he said.

Teodoro also blamed “misleading reports” for the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks, warning that “fake news once again has reared its ugly head.”

He urged the public to read his full statements instead of relying only on headlines.

“Before I make any statement, I carefully lay down my premises. Please do not rely on headlines that attempt to frame my statements. To do so would be an injustice to our people and to patriotic Filipinos,” he said.

“This clarification is clear. It just needs to be read and understood. If some, despite this, still persist in distorting my message then that is on them and not me,” he added.