The Philippines protests China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his immediate family, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) calling the move “an unfriendly act” that further complicates bilateral relations. The DFA says it takes note of China’s Foreign Ministry statement announcing the sanctions and characterizing Teodoro’s remarks as “irresponsible” and damaging to China’s legitimate interests.
According to multiple reports, China imposes measures that include an entry ban preventing Teodoro, his spouse, and child from entering Mainland China as well as Hong Kong and Macau. China also restricts Chinese entities from conducting transactions with Teodoro and his family. Teodoro publicly responds that he will continue performing his duties, while Philippine officials describe the sanctions as part of broader tensions between Manila and Beijing.
Separately, Senator Francis Pangilinan urges the DFA to file a protest against China, arguing the action targets not only Teodoro but the Philippines more broadly. China frames the sanctions as actions to uphold China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.
