(Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. warned against the distortion of his public statements to spread disinformation and create misleading impressions of irregularities within the government.
Teodoro emphasized that he would not allow his remarks to be taken out of context or used to suggest that something improper was happening within the administration.
The defense chief stressed that discussions involving national security and foreign policy must be presented accurately, particularly as the Philippines prepares for major international engagements, including the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits.
He underscored the importance of maintaining clarity and consistency in communicating government policies, especially on matters involving national defense, diplomatic relations, and the country’s strategic interests.
Teodoro also emphasized that the government must remain focused on protecting Philippine sovereignty, advancing national interests, and strengthening cooperation with international partners.
His remarks highlighted concerns over the potential misuse of public statements to fuel speculation and misinformation surrounding sensitive government affairs.
The defense secretary maintained that national security and foreign policy issues should be understood within their proper context rather than interpreted in ways that could misrepresent the government’s position.
As the Philippines prepares for high-level regional and international meetings, Teodoro reiterated the importance of keeping attention on the country’s security priorities and diplomatic commitments.
