𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐂. 𝐓𝐞𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨, 𝐉𝐫.

by: Edjun Mariposque ****

May 5, 2024

2–3 minutes

I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is a party to any “new model” is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila, and it is curious that it comes right after their actions were condemned in the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

I reiterate that I have disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since the courtesy call of Ambassador Huang Xilian, a few days after I assumed office in July of last year. During the said courtesy call, there was no discussion or briefing on any “gentleman’s agreement” or “new model”, which is contrary to the Chinese Embassy’s pronouncements.

This charade must stop.

I am issuing this statement to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ.

We advise our citizens, the media, and the international community to beware of China’s methods of manipulation, interference, and malign influence in furthering its own interests.

Philippine Defense Secretary Denounces Allegations of Cooperation with China

In a strongly worded statement, the Defense Secretary of the Philippines, Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., refuted any suggestion of collaboration between the Department of National Defense and the Chinese government. Addressing recent insinuations, Teodoro accused China of orchestrating a deceptive narrative through its Embassy in Manila.

Teodoro emphasized that any notion of a “new model” involving the Philippines and China is unfounded and misleading. He clarified that since assuming office, he has prohibited all communication between the DND and the Chinese Embassy, dismissing claims of any informal agreements.

Highlighting recent condemnations of China’s actions in the SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Teodoro warned against falling prey to China’s tactics aimed at sowing division and diverting attention from its disputed presence in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In light of these developments, Teodoro urged citizens, the media, and the international community to remain vigilant against China’s manipulative strategies, interference, and malign influence, emphasizing the importance of unity and awareness in safeguarding national interests.

#Edjun Mariposque

DREAMSTAR TV

Changing Lives: Free Cleft Palate Services Offered by Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.

As an organization that cares for the welfare of the people, we, Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc., are looking for people with cleft palate whom we will be helping with the help of our sponsored partners. This is a free service to offer for it is our heart that speaks from sharing our strong partnership with people and changing the way they live their lives – to what they deserve. This is not a business for personal gains, but more of reaching out and promoting a helping hand.

Pandemic Hero Foundation Inc.
Location: Purok Uno, Brgy. Lumil, Silang, Cavite.