MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday brushed aside sanctions imposed by China on him and his family, saying he would continue carrying out his duties despite Beijing’s latest move against one of the Philippine government’s most outspoken critics.
“That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception,” Teodoro said in a statement.
READ: China bars Teodoro, kin from entry, biz dealings
“I will just keep doing my duty and uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas,” he added.
On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced sanctions against Teodoro, his spouse, and their child, barring them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Beijing also prohibited organizations and individuals in China from engaging in transactions, cooperation or other activities with them.
China accused Teodoro of having “repeatedly made irresponsible remarks on China” that allegedly undermined its interests and damaged bilateral relations.
“To uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, China has decided to prohibit Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his spouse and child from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao,” the ministry said in a statement.
READ: Teodoro: Stronger PH-China ties hinge on ‘sincere’ Chinese gov’t
The move is a rare action by Beijing against a sitting Philippine Cabinet official and comes amid continuing tensions between the two countries over disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Teodoro has been among the Marcos administration’s most vocal critics of China’s actions in the disputed waters, repeatedly rejecting Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims and condemning what Philippine officials describe as coercive and aggressive behavior by Chinese vessels.
His remarks echoed statements he made earlier this month when reports first surfaced that he and his family had allegedly been barred from entering China.
In early June, Teodoro dismissed the reports, saying he had no assets in China and no plans to visit the country.
He also said that whatever interest he might have had in visiting China for its food and people was outweighed by his views on its leadership.
READ: Teodoro: 85% China distrust means ‘malign influence’ ops not effective
Reports cited an unnamed source who claimed Chinese authorities had imposed restrictions on Teodoro and his family following a Philippine law enforcement operation at a steel company in Misamis Oriental involving dozens of Chinese nationals allegedly handling harmful or noxious materials.
China’s announcement on Thursday formally confirmed the restrictions.
The latest move follows China’s barring of 16 officials of Kalayaan, Palawan, in February 2026 from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, in what Beijing called a reciprocal move after the municipality declared the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines persona non grata.
It also follows Beijing’s sanctioning of former senator Francis Tolentino in 2025 over issues related to the West Philippine Sea./dp
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