DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. clarified that his call for resignation of government officials, who are unwilling to uphold the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), is rooted on their legal obligations, not their personal or political beliefs.
In a statement, Teodoro said no public official can be asked to step down ‘just because of a belief,’ stressing that his earlier remarks were based on existing laws and policies governing the WPS.
‘I was careful in using as basis Administrative Order 29 series of 2012, concerning the West Philippine Sea. Since the AO was issued in pursuance of and under law, it forms part of the law of the land,’ he said, referring to Administrative Order 29 signed in 2012 designating the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago as the WPS.
Teodoro said all public officials, especially those elected into office, are sworn to uphold the Constitution and laws of the country.
‘Public officials are sworn to obey and uphold all laws and regulations issued in accordance with law,’ he said.
Teodoro, a lawyer and Bar topnotcher, added that officials who disagree with the country’s legal position have recourse through the courts, but cannot simply disregard existing laws while remaining in office.
‘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,’ he said.
‘If a public official cannot conform to these requisites, then the only option is to resign.’
Teodoro also cited the Philippines’ recent submission before the United Nations of information supporting its extended continental shelf claim, including waters surrounding Bajo de Masinloc, saying the move further reinforces the country’s legal position in the WPS.
‘And so in Panatag Shoal, etc. These areas form part of the West Philippine Sea under AO 29. Are they not supporting this? If not, then what is their sworn duty?’ he said.
He warned that any public official opposing the country’s maritime claims should make their position clear.
‘If they do, they must state this clearly and by doing so they will have left a mark in our history and they will be remembered by future generations, our people, soldiers, and most especially…in Masinloc, Zambales, where the fishermen are most affected by China’s illegal and fabulist activities,’ he said.
Teodoro, likewise, pushed back against what he described as misleading reports about his earlier remarks.
‘Fake news once again has reared its ugly head,’ he said. ‘Please do not rely on headlines, which attempt to frame my statements. To do so would be an injustice to our people and to patriotic Filipinos.’
The clarification came days after Teodoro said government officials who side with China on the WPS issue should either uphold the country’s position, challenge it before the Supreme Court if they believe it is unconstitutional or resign from office.
His remarks followed renewed tensions in the West Philippine Sea, including recent confrontations near Ayungin Shoal and continuing Philippine efforts under the Marcos administration to assert the country’s sovereign rights through diplomacy, international law, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.