PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday tagged as “fake news” social media reports that Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has resigned.
“Fake, fake, fake, fake, fake, fake news iyan (that),” he said.
The President said he talked with Teodoro yesterday and the latter denied the reports.
Marcos said those behind the false information are desperate people who want to undermine government.
“Wala silang naitutulong. Wala silang kontribusyon sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino kung hindi paninira lamang, kundi panggugulo lamang (They are not helping. They have not contributed anything to the lives of Filipinos, except to sow discord),” he said.
The Department of National Defense said the rumors are meant to divert the attention of the public from the security challenges the country is facing.
“There is no truth to the rumor perpetrated by certain sectors online about the supposed resignation of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr,” DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.
Reports about the supposed resignation of Teodoro spread several days ago, some of them by individuals and groups associated with the previous Duterte administration.
“We call on those who purposely propagate unfounded lies to be circumspect and refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation,” he said.
“We urge the public to be vigilant against misleading claims that aim to sow discord among the Filipino people and divert our attention from the real challenges that beset our country,” he also said.
Marcos said any change in government, especially the Cabinet, will be announced by the administration.
Marcos designated Teodoro as defense secretary in June last year.
Teodoro has been very critical of China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine. Last month, he called China the “biggest disruptor of peace” in Southeast Asia.
Teodoro also served as defense secretary from 2007 to 2009 during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative.
Marcos asked the public to be cautious, and not just believe what is being spread on social media.
Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez said the President’s trust and confidence in Teodoro has never wavered.
He also said the rumors “are pathetic attempts to sow disunity in an organization united in protecting our people and defending our territory.”
“Busy as they are with their mission, we should spare our fighting men of the corrosive politicking that has no place in their ranks,” he added.
Andolong urged the public to be vigilant, and for those “who purposely propagate unfounded lies to be circumspect and refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation.”
Andolong said Teodoro and the defense department are “focused squarely on boosting the nation’s capabilities to protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
“We urge the public to be vigilant against misleading claims that aim to sow discord among the Filipino people and divert our attention from the real challenges that beset our country,” he said. — With Victor Reyes
