Manila: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. still enjoys the full trust and confidence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. despite recent rumors surrounding his previous Maltese citizenship, Malaca±ang said Tuesday. 'Secretary Gibo still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President,' Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro confirmed that Marcos was fully aware of Teodoro's past dual citizenship status and that the matter had long been addressed. 'Opo, alam po [ng Pangulo], kasi nasa records naman po iyan, even the Comelec pati iyong Commission on Appointments, alam po nila (Yes, [the President] knows, because it's in the records, even the Comelec and the Commission on Appointments, they know),' she said when asked if the President is aware of the development.

The Department of National Defense earlier clarified that Teodoro formally renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021 before rejoining public service.