Teodoro to China: ‘If the truth hurts, that’s their problem’

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. rejected Beijing’s accusations that the Philippines was behind the recent collision between Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc, stressing the Philippines will not dignify what he described as “blatant lies” amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“They can say what they want. But I mean, who's more credible at the end of the day?” Teodoro previously told reporters, when asked about China’s continued narrative blaming the Philippines for maritime confrontations, including the recent collision between Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc.

“I'm already tired of contradicting, you know, and I don't want to answer a blatant lie and, you know, glorify it. And everybody knows the truth, really,” he added. 

“Why will we pick a fight? That's what the President said yesterday. Who in his or her right mind will initiate a conflict when you are a smaller country? Common sense, unless they don't have any.”

The defense chief’s comments follow China’s reported displeasure over recent remarks made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to India, where the President underscored the importance of respecting international law and regional cooperation.

Teodoro did not mince words in addressing Beijing’s sensitivity.

“Well, if they cannot handle those statements, that goes to show you what kind of people you're dealing with,” he said. 

He continued, “if the truth hurts, then it's your problem, not our problem. Secondly, it's not only us that they have problems with.”

Teodoro underscored that the Philippines is not the only country facing challenges from China’s actions, saying several nations around the world have also raised concerns over Beijing’s conduct.

“Even in Europe, they have problems,” Teodoro said, referring to China’s strained relations with other global powers. “And they label everybody who stands up to them as a provocateur.”

Teodoro likened China’s blame-shifting to an old deodorant commercial. “It’s like that old Veto commercial — if it’s you they’re talking about, maybe it’s time to put on deodorant,” he quipped.

He emphasized that the Philippines is far from isolated in calling out China’s behavior, pointing out that countries such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and even France share similar concerns.

Teodoro went on to criticize Beijing’s actions in the region, accusing China of being a “summa cum laude” in what he described as “international law revisionism and misconduct.”