MANILA, Philippines — Some elected officials may be receiving support from China to spread propaganda undermining the country’s claims in the contested South China Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said on Tuesday.
Authorities have reason to suspect that certain politicians may be bankrolled by Beijing although it may be hard to find evidence to prove this, he told lawmakers at a congressional budget briefing.
“We have some ground to perhaps suspect it, but credible information in respect to evidence is kind of hard to adduce,” Teodoro said, adding that financial agencies are better equipped to investigate such matters.
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Pulong reacts
“We do not have access to bank deposits [and] I think it is best addressed by financial authorities,” he added.
Teodoro, who has emerged as one of China’s fiercest critics in the Cabinet, earlier urged government officials siding with Beijing, which is claiming almost the entire South China Sea, to resign.
His remark was part of a string of statements aimed at China, whose claims clash with Manila’s, specifically, in the West Philippine Sea.
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It drew, however, a reaction from Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, brother of Vice President Sara Duterte, who accused the defense chief of vilifying China. During his presidency, their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, favored China over the country’s western allies, including the United States.
Asked by Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula what type of support some officials may receive, Teodoro said he was not ready to answer, adding that he did not want to presume in case there is an ongoing probe.
“I am not prepared to state it, particularly if there are active law enforcement evidence-gathering operations at this stage,” he said.
Though Teodoro reinforced his view that some pro-China politicians are echoing Beijing’s talking points, “I believe there are some, undeniably; that the pronouncements speak for themselves.” /cb
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