A MANILA-BASED think tank warned on Wednesday that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s criticisms of China could jeopardize the Philippines' tourism and trade gains after Beijing imposed sanctions on him and his immediate family.
Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) President Herman Tiu Laurel in an interview said the sanctions should prompt a reassessment of policies and statements that could further strain Manila-Beijing relations as the government works to expand economic ties with China.
"The anti-China diatribes of Secretary Gibo Teodoro endanger the government's economic recovery program, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening tourism and trade relations with China," Laurel said.
He cited efforts by the Department of Tourism that helped drive a 63-percent increase in Chinese tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2026, as well as trade promotion initiatives led by the Department of Trade and Industry and Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz.
Tiu Laurel said that China had previously imposed similar sanctions on Filipino officials, including the late former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, former senator Francis Tolentino, and members of the Kalayaan Island Group local government.
He argued that the sanctions should be viewed within the broader context of preserving stable bilateral relations between the two countries.
Tiu Laurel's remarks came after fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said it would not support Teodoro following China's move, arguing that the issue reflects intensifying geopolitical rivalry in the region.
Fernando Hicap accused Teodoro of condemning Chinese activities in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone while backing the expanded military presence of the United States.
Pamalakaya reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, an independent foreign policy, and a review of military agreements and foreign military exercises.
China recently announced sanctions barring Teodoro and his immediate family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
