Malacañang questioned Davao First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s loyalty to the nation Monday, defending Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. following comments by the lawmaker regarding national allegiance amid ongoing maritime disputes with China.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro described Duterte’s remarks as alarming, asserting that a lawmaker’s primary allegiance must remain solely with the Philippines.

“We are talking about Filipinos whose hearts should be for the Philippines alone. Loyalty is not up for debate here,” Castro said.

“So, if Congressman Pulong Duterte is questioning the loyalty of Filipinos to the Philippines, it is deeply puzzling and very alarming for a lawmaker like him to show that his loyalty to the Philippines is seemingly not solid,” she added.

Castro maintained that statements made by Teodoro reflect love for the country and align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on national sovereignty.

“As the President said, when it comes to protecting our interests, regardless of political affiliation or differing views on other issues, patriotism is nonnegotiable,” Castro said. “Building good relations with China is separate from the issue of protecting our national interests.”

Castro stressed that trade and investment ties with China must remain separate from territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, noting that commercial interests should not compromise national protection.

The exchange comes after Beijing declared Teodoro, along with his wife and son, persona non grata in June, banning them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Beijing accused the Defense chief of making “irresponsible remarks” that undermined Chinese interests in the South China Sea.

Teodoro described the declaration as standard retaliation for challenging China’s maritime deception, adding that the restriction would not hinder his duties. The Department of Foreign Affairs condemned Beijing’s sanctions, calling the move an “unfriendly act.”