MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Sunday issued a clarification defending his recent remarks on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying he did not call for the resignation of public officials based on personal beliefs but on their obligation to uphold existing laws and government policy.
Teodoro said public officials cannot be asked to resign "just because of a belief," stressing that there must first be a violation of law or regulation.
"One cannot ask a public official to resign just because of a belief. There must be a violation of a law or a regulation," he said in a statement.
Teodoro said his position was anchored on Administrative Order (AO) No. 29, series of 2012, which designates the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago as the West Philippine Sea.
"Since the A.O. was issued in pursuance of and under law, it forms part of the law of the land," he said.
The defense chief said all public officials are sworn to obey and uphold laws, rules and regulations issued in accordance with law.
"If a public official cannot uphold these, then the duty is clear: uphold or file an action to declare the rule or law unconstitutional. Until that time there is no option but to uphold the law," Teodoro said.
He added that if a public official cannot conform to those requirements, "then the only option is to resign."
