Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. clarified that his call for resignation of government officials, who are unwilling to uphold the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), is rooted on their legal obligations, not their personal or political beliefs. In a statement, Teodoro said no public official can be asked to step down “just because of a belief,” stressing that his earlier remarks were based on existing laws and policies governing the WPS.

Jadormio, M. J.(2026, August 4). BFAR to file motion before SC on tracking of commercial fishing. BusinessMirror, p. A5.