Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang questioned the loyalty of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte after he accused Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. of “demonizing China” and acting as if he were imposing a loyalty test on government officials over the West Philippine Sea.
The exchange stemmed from Teodoro’s remarks last week that government officials, particularly elected ones, who side with China on the West Philippine Sea should consider resigning because they are sworn to uphold the Constitution, Philippine laws and the country’s legal position, including the 2016 arbitral award.
In response, Duterte said there was no need to “demonize China,” arguing that Beijing is not the only country with competing claims in the disputed waters. He also said Teodoro should focus on strengthening defense instead of determining the loyalty of elected officials, adding that officials who violate the law should be prosecuted rather than publicly urged to resign.
During a Palace briefing on Monday, Aug. 3, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the issue was never about a loyalty test.
“Ang pinag-uusapan po natin dito ay mga Pilipino, Pilipino na ang dapat ang puso ay para sa Pilipinas lamang. Hindi pinag-uusapan dito ang loyalty. Lahat tayong mga Pilipino dapat ang puso, ang paninindigan, ang ipaglalaban ay ang bansang Pilipinas lamang,” she said.
[Translation: What we are talking about here are Filipinos, whose hearts should belong only to the Philippines. This is not about loyalty tests. Every Filipino’s loyalty, conviction and fight should be for the Philippines alone.]
Castro said Duterte’s remarks were “very alarming” coming from a member of Congress.
“So, kung kay Congressman Pulong Duterte ay pinag-uusapan ang loyalty ng mga Pilipino sa Pilipinas, lubhang kataka-taka, very alarming para sa isang katulad niya na mambabatas na lubhang parang nagpapakita na ang kaniyang loyalty ay hindi solido sa Pilipinas,” the official said.
[Translation: If Congressman Pulong Duterte is questioning Filipinos’ loyalty to the Philippines, that is highly questionable and very alarming for someone like him, a lawmaker, because it appears his own loyalty to the Philippines is not unwavering.]
Castro said the Palace said Teodoro’s position was an expression of patriotism.
“Wala tayong nakikita na mali… Ito ay pagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa ating bansa,” she said.
[Translation: We see nothing wrong with it… It is an expression of love for our country.]
She said maintaining economic ties with China should not come at the expense of negating sovereignty.
Castro said elected officials whom defense officials believe are echoing China’s narrative on the West Philippine Sea should go public.
“Mas maganda po siguro talaga kung kayo po ay nagpapakita nang katulad na pananaw ni Congressman Pulong Duterte, mas magandang lumantad na sila para makita natin kung sino ba talaga ang totoong nagmamahal sa bansang Pilipinas,” she said.
[Translation: If you share the same views as Congressman Pulong Duterte, it would be better for you to come out openly so we can see who truly loves the Philippines.]
