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DND Clarifies: Secretary Teodoro Gave Up Maltese Passport Before 2022 Elections
Photo credit: DND
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday, July 14, moved to clear the air over questions surrounding the citizenship status of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., stressing that he had already surrendered and renounced his Maltese passport as early as 2021 — well before he filed his candidacy for the 2022 national elections.
The statement came in response to recent reports highlighting that Teodoro had been issued a Maltese passport in December 2016, reportedly valid for 10 years.
In an official statement released to the media, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong emphasized that the matter had long been addressed and disclosed to the proper authorities even before Teodoro’s return to public office.
“The alleged existing Maltese passport of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,” Andolong said. “Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and COMELEC prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Commission on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary.”
Andolong also suggested that the timing of the resurfaced issue was not accidental. “The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” he noted.
Teodoro, a former congressman and defense secretary under a previous administration, was reappointed to head the DND in 2023. Questions about his alleged dual citizenship briefly circulated during his confirmation process, but records showed that he had already renounced his Maltese citizenship to comply with Philippine election and public service requirements.
The DND reiterated its confidence that Teodoro’s actions have been fully transparent and in accordance with law, and urged the public to remain discerning about politically motivated claims.
The statement came in response to recent reports highlighting that Teodoro had been issued a Maltese passport in December 2016, reportedly valid for 10 years.
In an official statement released to the media, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong emphasized that the matter had long been addressed and disclosed to the proper authorities even before Teodoro’s return to public office.
“The alleged existing Maltese passport of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,” Andolong said. “Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and COMELEC prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Commission on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary.”
Andolong also suggested that the timing of the resurfaced issue was not accidental. “The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” he noted.
Teodoro, a former congressman and defense secretary under a previous administration, was reappointed to head the DND in 2023. Questions about his alleged dual citizenship briefly circulated during his confirmation process, but records showed that he had already renounced his Maltese citizenship to comply with Philippine election and public service requirements.
The DND reiterated its confidence that Teodoro’s actions have been fully transparent and in accordance with law, and urged the public to remain discerning about politically motivated claims.
Jul 14, 2025
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