June 15, 2026
MANILA – The Marcos-created National Maritime Council (NMC) has pushed back against the sanctions imposed by China on Defense Secretary Gilberto ”Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his family.
In a statement dated June 13 but released only on Sunday, the NMC expressed its support for Teodoro, saying he “has consistently carried out his duties in accordance with law and established Philippine policy, and in pursuit of the country’s legitimate national interests.”
For the NMC, Teodoro’s statements and actions concerning the West Philippine Sea only reflect the country’s 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.”
“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.
In an unprecedented move against a Cabinet member since bilateral ties were established 51 years ago, Beijing announced last Thursday that it was barring Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao for unspecified, allegedly “irresponsible” remarks made by the defense chief.
Teodoro is one of the most outspoken Filipino officials who criticize Chinese intrusions and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea — waters which form part of the South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety, but within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The NMC is the interagency body created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March 2024 to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime security and increase maritime domain awareness among Filipinos amid China’s aggressive tactics and threats in the West Philippine Sea.
The body shall be the central body in charge of formulating policies and strategies to ensure a unified, coordinated and effective governance framework for the country’s maritime security and domain awareness.
It is chaired by the executive secretary, with 12 Cabinet secretaries as members, including Teodoro as defense secretary.
Despite what Philippine government officials described to be a bullying tactic by China, the NMC said it remains committed to supporting lawful, peaceful, and whole-of-government efforts to advance the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining dialogue and regional stability while promoting a rules-based maritime order anchored on international law.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier described the sanctions as an “unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations.”
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the sanctions against Teodoro was a “clear escalation in China’s pattern of coercion and intimidation against a smaller neighbor.”
“As a Cabinet official and the President’s alter ego on defense and security, Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro articulates and implements national policy. Punishing him and his family for doing so is a direct affront not only to him, but to the President, the Philippine state, and our constitutional order,” he added.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not address the comments of Philippine officials, but instead issued a warning.
“As the saying goes, people are known by the company they keep. Those who undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests, damage the development of China–Philippines relations, and jeopardize regional peace and stability will ultimately pay the price for their actions,” Chinese Embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei said in a statement on Saturday. /das