MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) has dismissed allegations that Defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. currently holds a foreign passport, asserting he had long renounced his Maltese citizenship before holding public office and calling out the “clear” motive behind the report.
A recent article by The Manila Times claimed Teodoro was issued a 10-year Maltese passport in 2016, implying dual citizenship — a violation of Philippine law for public officials.
But DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Teodoro “surrendered and renounced” the foreign passport in 2021 before filing his certificate of candidacy for senator in the 2022 elections.
Andolong further clarified that Teodoro had disclosed the Maltese passport to the Bureau of Immigration and the Commission on Elections prior to the polls, and again to the Commission on Appointments before his confirmation as defense secretary.
“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” Andolong said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Teodoro as defense chief in 2023, a year after his unsuccessful Senate bid.
Teodoro also previously served as defense secretary from 2007 to 2009 under then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
While the DND categorically denied any legal or ethical breach, it did not address how Teodoro acquired the Maltese passport or respond to speculation that it was obtained via Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program, a scheme criticized for allegedly granting citizenship to wealthy foreigners./PN
