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Gilberto Teodoro Jnr

Gilberto Teodoro Jnr is a seasoned Filipino politician, lawyer, and business executive. He currently serves as the nation’s Defence Secretary, a role he previously held from 2007 to 2009, becoming the youngest appointee at the time. His career includes three terms as a Member of Congress, where he authored numerous bills. He also chaired the National Disaster Coordinating Council, demonstrating expertise in disaster risk management. Teodoro’s work highlights a focus on defence reform, military modernisation, and upholding national sovereignty, particularly in maritime security. He is known for his extensive public and private sector experience.

Gilberto Teodoro Jnr

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

His viral moment in Seoul has raised his profile among supporters, but analysts say weak polling and past losses remain hurdles.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Beijing accuses Philippine defence chief of ‘grandstanding’

Is the Philippine military ‘massively underfunded’?

Beijing tells Manila to ‘stop lying’ after minister exposes South China Sea note

At Seoul Defence Dialogue, Gilberto Teodoro Jnr brands China’s handwritten memo on arbitration ruling as ‘coercion and bullying’.

Philippines’ rising military pensions risk triggering budget ‘time bomb’

The surge in pensions may weaken the country’s push to buy modern military assets to strengthen its deterrence.

Why Philippines is betting on drones to boost maritime security

Manila plans to use drones as force multipliers, but analysts warn building a credible deterrence network will require multi-year investment.

Philippines’ naval base plans put closed Chinese-linked plant in spotlight

US embassy says American military personnel wanted to assess Sanjia Steel’s premises as a potential site for next year’s Balikatan exercises.

Philippines to expand military drone fleet as South China Sea tensions rise

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has pitched a 6.3 per cent budget increase to fund the advanced drones and warships.

Beijing and Manila clash over arrests of ‘illegal’ workers as tensions worsen

Manila rejects criticism of defence chief – who accused China of ‘squid tactics’ – just as president indicated he wanted to ‘reset’ ties.

‘Rich and powerful options in South China Sea toolbox’: Beijing warns Manila

Strongly worded PLA Daily article is latest in a series of countermeasures as Scarborough Shoal row flares, including military drills.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | How China and the Philippines can avert clashes over a crumbling ship

Amid fresh clashes over the rusting BRP Sierra Madre, both sides accuse each other of infringing their 2024 agreement. But what did they actually agree to?

Philippine defence chief warns Chinese teaching exchanges pose grey-zone threat

The comments follow reports that language instructors in Manila were trained by a Chinese university at the heart of Batanes controversy.

Philippines seeks coders, hackers for military – will it be ‘a career killer’?

Manila has to offer tech professionals competitive salaries and a good career path without the administrative burden, analysts warn.

Beijing, Manila should avoid South China Sea ‘miscalculation’: top diplomats

Foreign ministers meet on margins of Asean event in Manila, days after fresh sea clash and outrage over video mocking 2016 arbitral ruling.

Philippine military assures ‘no vacuum’ over top officer’s retirement

The transition comes at a sensitive time due to ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and Manila’s row with some retired officers over Marcos.

Does Beijing own Batanes? Why Chinese scholars’ claim is a warning to Manila

Analysts say the controversial assertions may be a way for Beijing to signal dissatisfaction with Japan-Philippines maritime border talks.

South China Sea: 10 years after Hague ruling, how has the Philippines’ stance evolved?

Officials and analysts say Manila’s deterrence strategies can now make China ‘at least hesitate’, even though there is still much to be done.

Sanctioned but defiant: Philippine defence chief says China talks ‘not possible’

Blacklisted by Beijing, a defiant Gilberto Teodoro Jnr demands China ‘get out’ of waters Manila claims.

After China sanctions Philippines’ defence chief, Marcos breaks his silence

For weeks, Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said nothing about the sanctions on Gilberto Teodoro. Then, on a work trip to Vancouver, he finally did.

How does an outgunned air force defend the South China Sea?

Manila is spending billions to transform its underfunded air arm into a maritime shield against Beijing.

Opinion | Philippines’ belligerence towards China out of step with Asean trend

Manila’s security-first approach and alignment with extra-regional powers is at odds with the pragmatic direction of China-Asean relations.

China’s ban on Philippine defence chief, family seen as warning shot to Manila

Analysts say Beijing may be trying to ‘kill the chicken to warn the monkeys’, as Manila faces calls for a tit-for-tat response.

China sanctions Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro

Chinese foreign ministry says Teodoro is banned from entering China because of his ‘erroneous remarks’ on the country.

How Japan, Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Tokyo-Manila defence cooperation is linking Pacific flashpoints, with broad implications for Beijing, analysts say.

Beijing to Manila: don’t let ‘clowns’ sabotage ties with ‘political theatrics’

Beijing condemns remarks by Philippine defence chief, who says Manila is under ‘severe threat’ from China despite fertiliser and fuel offers.

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

More than a missile? Why the Philippines wants Japan’s old Type 88

Manila’s military already operates superior weapons, but analysts say Tokyo’s Cold War-era hardware still has something to offer.

Philippines shifts defence strategy with Japan, eyes wider security focus

Defence chief Gilberto Teodoro says the Diaoyu Islands are now considered a ‘serious concern’ and the Balikatan drills will also be expanded.

Video | Beijing accuses Philippine defence chief of ‘grandstanding’

Opinion | How China and the Philippines can avert clashes over a crumbling ship