The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday said Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had surrendered his Maltese passport before he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in the 2022 national elections.

In a statement, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said Teodoro’s passport and citizenship from the country of Malta was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Commission on Elections in 2021 before he ran for senator, and to the Commission on Appointments in 2023 before his confirmation as Defense Secretary.

“The motive for this rumor is clear and known to Secretary Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” Andolong said.

The DND issued the statement in response to a local newspaper report on Monday that said Teodoro held dual citizenship — which would disqualify him from holding public office under Philippine law.

The Constitution and election laws prohibit candidates from holding dual citizenship, which would put their loyalty to the Philippines in question.

At this writing, Teodoro has not issued a statement. The DND emphasized that all disclosures on the matter were made in full compliance with legal requirements and transparency.