THE National Maritime Council (NMC) expressed support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. amid the sanctions imposed by the Chinese government against him and his family.
In a statement released Sunday, the NMC reiterated that Teodoro was merely carrying out his “duties in accordance with law and established Philippine policy” in repeatedly asserting the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“His statements and actions concerning the West Philippine Sea reflect the Philippines’ commitment to uphold its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction under the Philippine Constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” it said.
“The council affirms that Philippine public officials have a responsibility to advance and protect the nation’s interests within the bounds of law and in service of the Filipino people. The faithful discharge of these responsibilities is a legitimate function of government and an expression of national sovereignty,” it said.
Last week, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it is banning Teodoro and members of his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau after he “repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China.”
“Organizations and individuals in China” were also directed not to “engage in any transaction, cooperation or other activities with him and his spouse and child.”
Reacting to the ban, Teodoro said that while he wants the Philippines and China to have harmonious security relations, he will not agree to the Chinese government’s aggressive and one-sided policies.
The NMC vows to stay committed to supporting lawful, peaceful, and whole-of-government efforts to advance the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests.
“We likewise reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, stability, and a rules-based maritime order founded on respect for international law,” it said.
Established in March 2024, the NMC is the interagency body tasked to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime security and increase maritime domain awareness among the citizens amid China’s aggressive tactics in the West Philippine Sea.
