West PH Sea: Teodoro rebukes China’s ‘garbage dumping’ claim

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday challenged China to substantiate its accusation that the Philippines was dumping garbage in inshore waters, dismissing the claim as baseless and mocking Beijing’s rhetoric.

Teodoro said China has repeatedly made allegations without evidence.

“If they have accusations, they should prove them,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Yultong at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. 

READ: Teodoro: China’s 1990 Scarborough files ‘an internal political effort’

“They keep accusing, but when it’s time to present proof in a fair proceeding under international law, they refuse,” he added.

Teodoro also brushed off a video allegedly circulated by Chinese sources purportedly showing troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre burning garbage and dumping it into the sea, saying he could not verify its authenticity and questioning Beijing’s credibility.

“I don’t know what video they’re pushing. Who likes to fake? Who likes to copy?” he said.

The defense chief took a swipe at China’s criticism of Philippine actions, saying Beijing itself has a history of provocative behavior.

READ: Teodoro blasts China after ‘price to pay’ remark over Taiwan

“Fireworks are invented by them, then they will say we are playing with fire? What are they? Out their mind? (Ano sila? Hilo?)” he said. 

Teodoro said the Philippines would not be deterred from strengthening its defense posture despite criticism from China.

“If any country is worried about our defense engagement and resilience, it’s because they have a bad intention and motive to begin with,” he said.

The defense chief reiterated that Manila’s position is anchored on the 2016 arbitral ruling under international law, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

He stressed that the ruling is part of Philippine law and has been affirmed by successive administrations, noting that even former President Rodrigo Duterte had raised it before the United Nations.

Teodoro highlighted that it is Beijing who continues to illegally occupy features such as Mischief Reef. /dl