Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday confirmed that the sanctions imposed by China on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will not impede his ability to fulfill his duties. The Palace emphasized that Secretary Teodoro is executing his responsibilities in line with the laws of the Philippines, its Constitution, and the policies set by the Marcos administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro highlighted the autonomy of the Philippines in managing the conduct of its public officials, including Teodoro. She explained that while the Chinese government has its own legal structures and policies, the Philippines operates under its own legal framework, which governs the actions of its officials. Castro reiterated that Teodoro's role as Defense Secretary remains unaffected by the sanctions.

'Ang China ay may sariling batas, may sarili silang polisiya. Gayun din naman po ang Pilipinas (China has its own laws and policies. The Philippines also has its own laws in that regard),' Castro stated, underscoring the sovereignty of Philippine governance.

Castro further assured that the sanctions would not hinder Teodoro's execution of his responsibilities or the government's dedication to safeguarding national interests and sovereignty. 'Si Secretary Gibo bilang Defense Secretary ay gumaganap lang sa kanyang tungkulin, sa kanyang mandato na naaayon sa batas, naaayon sa Konstitusyon at naaayon sa polisiya ng administrasyon (Secretary Gibo, as Defense Secretary, is merely performing his duties in accordance with his mandate, which is aligned with the law, the Constitution and the administration's policies),' she added.

The sanctions, as announced by China, include barring Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, and prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging in business with them. The Department of Foreign Affairs has described China's action as an 'unfriendly act that further complicates' the diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing.

Teodoro, known for his outspoken stance against China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, remarked that such sanctions are a typical repercussion for those who challenge China's narratives and practices.