Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea is not something government officials can treat as a personal preference. His remarks came as he clarified that his earlier call for the resignation of officials unwilling to uphold that position was based on their duty under the law.
Teodoro stressed that the issue is not about personal ideology or partisan belief. Instead, he framed it as an obligation tied to public office, saying officials are expected to carry out and defend the country’s established stance on the West Philippine Sea as part of their responsibilities.
The clarification places the debate on legal and institutional grounds rather than political loyalty. By emphasizing duty over opinion, Teodoro signaled that public officials are bound to support national policy while serving in government, especially on matters involving Philippine interests.
His statement adds to the continuing discussion over how the government should present a unified position on the West Philippine Sea. It also underscores the expectation that officials align their actions with the country’s official policy while in office.
