The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday clarified that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had already renounced and surrendered his alleged Maltese passport before filing his certificate of candidacy for the 2022 national elections.

In a statement issued by DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong, the department emphasized that the existence of the alleged foreign passport was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and the Commission on Appointments (CA) before Teodoro's confirmation as Defense Secretary.

“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” he added. 

The DND’s statement came following a report published in a local newspaper on Monday alleging that he holds dual citizenship—a disqualifying factor for public office under Philippine law if not properly renounced.

The Constitution and existing election laws bar candidates from holding dual allegiance or citizenship, a rule aimed at ensuring loyalty to the Republic.

As of this writing, Teodoro has not issued a personal statement, but the DND stressed that all disclosures were made in accordance with legal requirements and full transparency.