Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday, July 15, called on the military to remain focused on their duties amid the resurfacing of dual citizenship issues of Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
In an ambush interview, Brawner said Teodoro had already addressed the matter, referring to questions about his possession of a Maltese passport, which, according to the defense chief, he had renounced back in 2021.
“So let’s just focus on our job, hayaan na po natin ‘yung mga isyu ng mga ganyan because anyway nasagot naman ng ating NSD,” Brawner said.
In a separate DZRH interview, Teodoro labeled the allegations as part of a “smear campaign,” emphasizing that the issue was an attempt at character assassination.
He emphasized that the timing and nature of the attacks are particularly suspicious, given his critical role in national security policy and intelligence coordination.
Despite the controversy, Brawner expressed full confidence in Teodoro’s allegiance to the Philippine flag and Constitution.
“Ang importante is that ‘yung kanyang allegiance and patriotism to our country is very strong,” he added.
When asked whether there have been any negative sentiments within military circles, Brawner did not confirm any, but refrained from commenting further.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. continues to enjoy the trust of Teodoro, despite a broadsheet report alleging that he holds dual citizenship.
