MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. maintained that it would not be viable for a candidate in the 2028 elections to show support for China.
“I don’t think anybody can tout a pro-China line and seek the mandate of the people when its state-owned media depicted Filipinos as monkeys,” Teodoro said during a roundtable discussion with the Inquirer on Wednesday.
He was referring to a video released by Chinese state-owned news outlet China Daily, depicting a monkey in Filipino garments in light of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines’ Arbitral Award, which affirmed its claim over the West Philippine Sea.
“I do not think that’s a viable proposition anymore right now,” he stressed.
Results of a Pulse Asia survey last week showed Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go and Sen. Robin Padilla were leading the presidential, vice presidential and senatorial races in 2028, respectively.
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Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was widely reported to have shifted Philippine foreign policy to be more favorable to China.
Meanwhile, Go is a long-time aide to Duterte before becoming senator and Padilla is a vocal supporter of the former president.
“Rather than be nervous for 2028 or whatnot, let’s speed up the institutionalization of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Teodoro said.
“No one can back out of that. Let’s speed up our convergence of alliances because it is based on international law,” he added.
Teodoro, a candidate for president in the 2010 elections, said it is “difficult” to discuss whether he has plans to run for higher office in 2028.
“My obligation is to focus on this now… Whatever will come will come. The time will come, but for now, it’s not right,” he stressed.
“I’m not saying no, but I’m not going to make a decision now that is unclear,” he said.
He cited that his second tenure as defense minister was more complex with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) having to handle both internal and external security.
Teodoro served as secretary under then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from 2007 to 2009. /gsg
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