Photo credit: DND

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. strongly criticized a social media post by China Daily that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, calling it offensive, racist, and a clear reflection of the Chinese Communist Party's attitude toward the Filipino people.

In a statement, Teodoro said the post mocked the 2016 Arbitral Award while glorifying violence against Filipinos and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He described it as proof of the "moral and intellectual bankruptcy" of China's propaganda efforts.

The Defense chief said the incident showed China's inability to defend its claims through facts, international law, or reason, choosing instead to spread what he called racism, threats, and hate.

Teodoro added that the incident further validates the Philippine government's policy of avoiding ministerial-level and AFP defense engagements with the Chinese Communist Party and its agencies.

He also said the latest post raises more concerns about China's credibility as a regional neighbor, saying such actions do not reflect the behavior of a responsible nation.

Ending his statement with a warning to the public, Teodoro urged Filipinos to remain vigilant, saying, "Pilipinas huwag magpalinlang! Ang nalilinlang ay nasisiil."