Gibo: Pro-China are those who don't recognize West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stated that the Department of National Defense (DND) adheres solely to "objective criteria" in evaluating individuals, responding to Vice President Sara Duterte's challenge to name pro-China officials. Teodoro clarified that those who "refuse to recognize" the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are considered to meet this criterion. He was referring to Administrative Order No. 29, signed in 2012, which officially designated portions of the South China Sea within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as the West Philippine Sea. "In this situation, the standard is simple: who not only opposes AO29, but also refuses to recognize it – both elements being necessary, especially in light of our recent filing of nautical charts for Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag," Teodoro said. Teodoro emphasized that government officials are sworn to uphold all laws, including administrative orders issued by the President, which are based on the Constitution and have the force of law. "If you’re in government, it binds you. And if you’re elected, you just don’t swear to the Constitution but to all administrative orders, because administration orders issued by the President are based on the Constitution and have the power of a law," Teodoro explained. The Vice President had previously challenged the DND chief to name pro-China officials, claiming that even President Marcos might be perceived as one. "You can’t just release a statement and not name the officials. And of course even the President might be suspect as long as there’s no list," she said. Separately, in a joint statement with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, Teodoro "expressed serious concern over the situation in the South China Sea, particularly China’s vessels engaging in destabilizing and dangerous conduct towards Philippine vessels." They issued the joint statement at the conclusion of the 3rd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Darwin. The two officials also cited "recent dangerous actions taken by China’s Coast Guard at Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal, resulting in injuries to Philippine Navy personnel." Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, while lacking a list of pro-China officials, outlined his personal criteria for considering someone a traitor to the Philippines. He said his personal criteria include refusing to take a stand on the WPS issue while instilling fear of war among Filipinos, remaining silent to Chinese harassment, and opposing the government’s transparency initiatives. Amidst these developments, Chinese state-affiliated media outlet Global Times published new academic input claiming Batanes has "long maintained close and integrated ties with China’s Taiwan" more so than with the Philippines.