Dismissing as mere “rumor” a media report questioning the alleged dual citizenship of Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr., the Department of National Defense is convinced Cabinet official is aware of motive behind publicity.

“The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,” DND spokesperson Asst. Secretary Arsenio Andolong said a press statement.

The DND swiftly released a clarification of the citizenship issue raised in the media, saying that Teodoro’s alleged existing Maltese passport has already been “surrendered and renounced” by the official when he filed his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 senatorial elections.

Teodoro has been very vocal in criticizing China on its territorial claim in the West Philippine Sea. He recently slammed China’s propaganda stunts as he accused Beijing of suffeirng from “deficit of trust.”

Earlier, a national daily carried an article claiming that Teodoro is a dual citizen of the Philippines and Malta, a European country situated between Sicily and the North African coast.

Citing legal experts, the news item said the defense chief may have committed a violation of the law and put national security in jeopardy, adding that he faces possible disqualification and charges for violation of the Constitution.

The writer also speculated that Teodoro may have been granted Maltese citizenship through the “golden passport” process called the citizenship-by-investment program of the Mediterranean nation.

Andolong said Teodoro no longer carries a Maltese passport.

“It’s existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec (Commission on Elections) prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Committee on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary,” he said.