Sara Duterte Demands Answers as Pro-China Officials’ Issue Heats Up
SARA DUTERTE – The debate over the West Philippine Sea took another dramatic turn after Vice President Sara Duterte called on Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to identify the officials he accused of being pro-China.
Vice President Sara Duterte has challenged Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to publicly identify the government officials allegedly taking positions favorable to China amid the continuing dispute over the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking to reporters in Davao City, Duterte reacted to Teodoro’s recent call for government officials who side with China on the maritime issue to consider stepping down from their positions. She argued that the public deserves clarity on who exactly Teodoro was referring to.
Duterte said that without a list of names, even the country’s highest official could potentially be included among those being suspected.
“You can’t just release a statement and not name the officials. And of course, even the President might be suspect as long as there’s no list,” Duterte said.
Teodoro had earlier said that elected officials who support China’s position should consider resigning because government officials have sworn to uphold the Constitution and Philippine laws. He added that officials who could not support the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea should either leave office or bring their concerns before the Supreme Court.
Malacañang has backed Teodoro’s position.
The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO), an organization composed of retired and active senior military, police, and uniformed-service officials, also expressed support for the government’s stance.
In a statement, the group “shares the unyielding position of the Department of National Defense on the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing that allegiance to the Constitution, adherence to the rule of law, and the defense of national sovereignty remain non-negotiable duties of every public servant.”
Led by retired police Maj. Gen. German Doria, AGFO, emphasized that public officials have a responsibility to honor their constitutional oaths.
“Public office is a sacred public trust. Every public official is bound by a solemn oath to bear true faith and allegiance to the flag and the Republic, and to strictly obey and execute the laws of the land – including Administrative Order No. 29, series of 2012, which formally defines the West Philippine Sea,” it stressed.
The group highlighted legal compliance, support for Filipino troops and maritime communities, and responsible reporting as key principles.
Meanwhile, five lawmakers allied with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. filed House Bill 10587, or the West Philippine Sea Education Act. The proposed measure seeks to integrate lessons on the Philippines’ maritime rights into schools.
“Filipino students must learn the facts – that we are advocating for a rules-based international order, and that the West Philippine Sea is rightfully ours,” the lawmakers said.
They also warned that young Filipinos face misinformation online and stressed the importance of providing accurate, evidence-based information.
The proposed program would cover the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Philippines’ 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
READ ALSO: Gibo Teodoro Denies Resignation Rumors, Confirms He’s Not Running in 2025