The Department of National Defense (DND) and Malacañang firmly denied the claims that Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. resigned from his post.
"There is no truth to the rumor perpetrated by certain sectors online about the supposed resignation of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr," DND Spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said in an official statement on Thursday.
According to the DND, this is being spread by certain groups online to distract the public from the real challenges the nation is currently facing. The Secretary is said to be concentrating on enhancing the nation's ability to safeguard its territory and sovereignty.
Andolong has appealed to the individuals behind the disinformation and misinformation, which has been circulating on social media for several days, to stop.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. simply laughed off the rumors about Secretary Teodoro's alleged resignation.
In an ambush interview, he repeatedly emphasized that the report was fake news. He described it as fabricated, defamatory, and a desperate attempt to stir trouble, asserting that such stories are disruptive and unhelpful to the lives of Filipinos.
"Itong ganitong klaseng chismis, mga marites kinakalat lang nila ito para manggulo,"Marcos said.
According to PBBM, the officials are dedicated to working on initiatives that benefit the people and improve the nation.
The President further clarified that any updates regarding changes in the Cabinet will come directly from Malacañang, not from social media speculations.
“Kung may magbabago sa gabinete, sa pamahalaan, kami ang magaannounce," said Marcos.
“Sa kasalukuyan, ngayong araw na ito [ay] walang pagbabago," he added.
The President again advised the public to be cautious, discerning, and not to immediately believe reports that lack evidence.
