Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday expressed its support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s call urging public officials to uphold the Philippines' position regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Palace emphasized that every Filipino's loyalty should be directed solely towards the nation, irrespective of political affiliations or disagreements on other matters.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Marcos administration finds no fault in Teodoro's assertion that government officials should consider resignation if they are unable to support Philippine laws and national policy, which includes a strong stance on the nation's rights in the WPS. Castro, addressing a Palace briefing, remarked, "Ang pinag-uusapan po natin dito ay mga Pilipino. Pilipino na ang dapat ang puso ay para sa Pilipinas lamang (What we are talking about here are Filipinos. A Filipino's heart should belong only to the Philippines)."
Castro further elaborated, 'Hindi pinag-uusapan dito ang loyalty. Lahat tayong mga Pilipino dapat ang puso, ang paninindigan, ang ipaglalaban ay ang bansang Pilipinas lamang (This is not about a loyalty test. Every Filipino should devote their heart, conviction, and advocacy solely to the Philippines).' Her comments came in response to criticism from Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, who accused Teodoro of implementing a 'loyalty test' and demonizing China following Teodoro's appeal for officials to uphold the country's WPS stance.
The Palace spokesperson expressed concern over Duterte's stance, stating that it would be "very alarming" if an elected official like him questions the expectation that Filipinos should staunchly support the country's sovereign rights. Castro said, "Lubhang kataka-taka, very alarming, para sa isang katulad niya na mambabatas na lubhang parang nagpapakita na ang kaniyang loyalty ay hindi solido sa Pilipinas (It is highly puzzling and very alarming for someone like him, a lawmaker, because it appears to suggest that his loyalty to the Philippines is not unwavering)."
She also clarified that maintaining amicable relations with China in trade, investments, and business must not be mistaken for defending the country's sovereign rights. She pointed out that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently underscored that political differences should not impede the protection of the country's interests in the WPS.
In her concluding remarks, Castro urged officials who echo China's stance on the WPS to be open about their perspectives, stating, "Mas maganda po siguro talaga na... lumantad na sila para makita natin kung sino ba talaga ang nagmamahal sa bansang Pilipinas (Perhaps it would be better if they came out openly so the public can see who truly loves the Philippines)."
Previously, Teodoro remarked that public officials have a duty to uphold Philippine laws, including Administrative Order No. 29, which officially designates the West Philippine Sea. He argued that those unwilling to support the country's legal stance should either contest the policy in courts or step down.
The Palace's comments also follow the Philippines' recent formal submission to the United Nations on the outer limits of its extended continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea, including areas surrounding Bajo de Masinloc, as part of its ongoing effort to assert maritime entitlements under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award.
