Defense chief ‘doesn’t mind’ being barred from China
Defense Sec. Gilbert Teodoro —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would not be bothered if China were to bar him from entering its territories, just like what it did to presidential adviser and former Sen. Francis Tolentino.
“Wala naman akong pakialam [kung] gawin nila sa akin ’yun (I wouldn’t mind if they do that to me),” Teodoro told reporters in an interview in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday.
The defense chief is known for his open criticism of China’s aggression and attempts to control the narrative in the South China Sea issue. In a forum in Singapore last month, he called out the Chinese representatives for their “propaganda spiels disguised as questions.”
READ: China bars ex-senator Tolentino from entering its territories over WPS stance
This time, he referenced undocumented Chinese nationals, one of Manila’s persistent issues with Beijing.
“At least if Senator Tolentino were to go there, it would be through proper channels—not like them, who have so many undocumented nationals here,” Teodoro said.
Security risks
The defense chief’s remarks came days after China imposed travel sanctions on Tolentino, who was designated by President Marcos as an adviser on maritime concerns.
Tolentino confirmed on Tuesday that he had been barred from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Asked for his reaction, Teodoro underscored lingering concerns over the influx of undocumented Chinese nationals in the Philippines, many of whom, officials warn, could pose national security risks.
The Duterte administration’s policy on Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogos) saw about 3.12 million Chinese nationals arriving in the country from January 2016 to May 2018.
The Marcos administration, however, has cracked down on Pogos and illegal gambling activities, deporting hundreds of Chinese as a result. Authorities believe many more remain illegally in the country.
The defense secretary said it is a country’s prerogative to “to allow or deny anybody from entering its territory.” But he said that Tolentino did nothing wrong from his perspective.
Philippine authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities and potential security threats.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have arrested foreign nationals—mostly Chinese—for alleged violations ranging from working without proper documentation to cybercrimes linked to offshore gaming operations.
‘Badge of honor’
Tolentino said he took the Chinese ban as “a badge of honor,” affirming his commitment to defend Philippine sovereignty.
Malacañang Palace Press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a palace briefing on Wednesday that Filipinos will not cower before China in defending the country’s maritime rights. /cb
