Gibo: Phl cannot take advice from truth twisters

Unfazed by China’s warning against the deployment of the United States’ Typhon mid-range missile in the country, Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. stressed on Friday that the Philippines cannot take advice from the truth twister when it comes to fortifying the Philippines’ defense capabilities.

In a media interview at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila, Teodoro dismissed China’s narrative against the country’s plan to procure mid-range missile systems, saying the Philippines has the right to acquire missile systems if it chooses to do so.

“I think the whole world knows who is on the right path and the wrong path. Definitely, you know, we cannot take advice from people who distort the truth and nobody believes them anyway. So, I think it's a waste of air time to broadcast the claims of China because only their leadership believes in what they say anyway,” Teodoro remarked.

Last Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lian Jian said the Philippines plans to procure missile systems from the US is a “provocative and dangerous” move that could “fuel regional tensions and antagonism.”

In response, Teodoro said the country’s acquisition of the missile system is not yet final and is not limited to the US’ Typhon missile system.

“Because there must be consent to sell. However, we are planning to have such kinds of capabilities. I'm not saying the Typhon. I'm saying such kinds of capabilities,” he said.

Teodoro stressed the international community recognized the Philippines’ stand on its maritime territory.

“We have the force of international law on our side, not purely Philippine law. China does not have the force of law on its side. It does not have a right on its side. That's why they're leftist,” he said.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said the Philippines and the US would review their bilateral cooperation as soon as his counterpart, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, arrives in Manila this week.

Teodoro said Austin’s visit will serve a new as an opportunity for the defense sector “to also lay down some future plans.”

“Anyway, whatever it is, it's on an institutional basis, our bilateral relations. There are mechanisms. For example, the security sector assistance roadmap, the bilateral strategic dialogue, and other mechanisms like the squad,” he added.

“So, I think also it is also an opportunity for us to thank him for what he has done to make the alliance not only bilaterally but multilaterally enduring against the face of a distorted plan of action by China,” he further stressed.

Teodoro said a “bigger number of like-minded nations that are coming to realize that China's propaganda is really nonsensical, actually.”

Last month, Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed the country’s pressing need to acquire modernized defense equipment and weapons “so it can better protect and defend the country against any external threat.”

Brawner also cited the need to equip soldiers with the resources and skills to prepare them for any challenges of fighting and neutralizing threats.