Photo credit: DND

The Department of National Defense (DND) has dismissed the complaint filed against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., arguing that the accusations are unsupported and lack credible evidence.

In a statement issued on June 18, DND Assistant Secretary Erik Dy said the complaint was based on unverified allegations and improperly sought to place the burden of proving the accusations on government agencies, including the Office of the Pasay City Prosecutor.

According to the DND, those who filed the complaint failed to establish the facts necessary to support their claims and instead sought assistance from the state to prove their case. The agency stressed that this runs contrary to the principles of the justice system, where the responsibility to present evidence rests on the accusers.

The department further emphasized that a perjury complaint requires competent and verified evidence and cannot rely on speculation, assumptions, or attempts to search for proof after the fact. It maintained that the allegations against Teodoro remain unproven unless supported by credible evidence.

The statement came after a complaint was lodged against the defense chief, although the DND did not provide additional details regarding the allegations.

Teodoro, who returned to the Defense Department in 2023 under the Marcos administration, has played a key role in advancing the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program and strengthening security partnerships with allies such as the United States, Japan, and Australia. He has also been among the administration's most outspoken officials in asserting the country's rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea amid growing tensions with China.

The Pasay City Prosecutor's Office is expected to determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with the complaint. Meanwhile, the DND has maintained that any legal action should be grounded on solid and verifiable evidence.