Defense Chief: Pro-China Officials in WPS Dispute Should Resign

MANILA, Philippines — Government officials, especially those elected into office, who are siding with China on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should consider resigning from their posts, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum on Wednesday, Teodoro said those in government swore to uphold the Constitution and the country’s laws. “The West Philippine Sea is part of our laws because we have the Baselines Act and because this is an Administrative Order of our president at the time,” he said, referring to Administrative Order 29 signed by former president Benigno Aquino III to name the WPS. “That also subsumes everything, our position on the Arbitral Award, our position on everything,” Teodoro added. He said if the elected and sworn government officials cannot stand by the country’s stance, they should either resign or question this as illegal in the Supreme Court. “So that the public will know and see their true motives,” Teodoro said. The defense chief's remarks come amid escalating tensions in the WPS, with recent incidents involving China Coast Guard's water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels and obstruction of resupply missions. Teodoro's statement is seen as a call for national unity and a test of allegiance for public officials. Philippines upholds the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling that invalidated China's expansive maritime claims in the WPS. However, there are differing views within the country, with some prioritizing economic ties with China and advocating for conflict avoidance. The defense secretary's statement sends a clear message prioritizing national sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst these internal discussions.