The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied claims of an alleged rift between active military generals and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., describing reports of internal tensions as baseless and unworthy of attention.
AFP spokesperson Rear Admiral (ret.) Roy Vincent Trinidad, who also serves as military spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, dismissed the allegations in strong terms during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, saying there is no truth to suggestions of discord within the defense establishment.
“That is a good joke,” Trinidad said when asked about claims of a supposed dispute involving senior military officers. “It’s a true joke. No such tensions exist. Laugh at it.”
The statement came after a lawyer earlier claimed there was a “boiling dispute” between Teodoro and active generals, allegedly prompting the filing of perjury and falsification charges before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. The same complainant also suggested that some military officials supported the legal action.
The controversy also follows reports that China has barred Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau over alleged “irresponsible remarks” deemed detrimental to Beijing’s interests and bilateral relations.
The legal complaints are linked to issues raised regarding Teodoro’s previous Maltese passport, which surfaced last year. Teodoro has maintained that he relinquished his foreign citizenship document in 2021 prior to filing his certificate of candidacy for senator. He later lost in the 2022 elections before being appointed Defense Secretary in 2023.
The AFP, however, stressed that it will not engage in what it described as politically motivated allegations.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military would not “dignify baseless and unverified claims” attempting to draw the institution into personal or political disputes.
“We stand by Secretary Teodoro as our defense secretary,” Padilla said, adding that the AFP remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan organization.
She also clarified that there is no need for a loyalty check within the ranks, saying commanders have assured full control of units and continued professionalism across the armed forces.
“There is no loyalty check; it’s not needed,” Padilla said. “Our forces remain professional and focused on their mandate.”