ARRAPI condemns claims over Teodoro's foreign passport

The Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI) has condemned recent online claims that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. holds a foreign passport, calling the allegations 'malicious and misleading.'

ARRAPI leaders strongly support Teodoro, dismissing rumors about a Maltese passport as a 'desperate attempt to discredit a highly qualified and patriotic public servant.'

ARRAPI president Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata stated that Teodoro renounced his Maltese citizenship in 2021, before returning to government service, and that the claims are baseless and politically motivated.

The Department of National Defense confirmed that Teodoro no longer holds a foreign passport and has complied with legal requirements for public office.

ARRAPI chairperson Lt. Col. Michael Romero noted the timing of the 'fake news' was suspicious, coinciding with Teodoro's efforts to modernize the AFP and strengthen territorial defense.