Philippines’ National Maritime Council Defends Defense Secretary Against China’s Unprecedented Sanctions

Article by F. Palafox

Published on June 17, 2026 6:30AM

MANILA — The Marcos administration’s National Maritime Council (NMC) has forcefully rejected China’s sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his family, calling the Beijing move an affront to Philippine sovereignty and a violation of international law.

In a statement dated June 13 but released Sunday, the NMC said Teodoro “has consistently carried out his duties in accordance with law and established Philippine policy, and in pursuit of the country’s legitimate national interests”. The council emphasized that Teodoro’s West Philippine Sea remarks only reflect the Philippines’ commitment to uphold its sovereignty under the Philippine Constitution, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award. ⁴

Unprecedented Sanctions Against Cabinet Member

Beijing announced last Thursday an entry ban on Teodoro and his spouse and children from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, a first-ever sanction against a Philippine Cabinet member since bilateral ties were established 51 years ago. China also barred individuals and organizations within its borders from any dealings with Teodoro and his family. ¹ ²

“The Council affirms that Philippine public officials have a responsibility to advance and protect the nation’s interests within the bounds of law and in service of the Filipino people. The faithful discharge of these responsibilities is a legitimate function of government and an expression of national sovereignty,” the NMC stated. ⁴

Teodoro: Outspoken Critic of Chinese Intrusions

Teodoro is among the most vocal Filipino officials criticizing Chinese intrusions in the West Philippine Sea, waters within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone that China claims almost entirely. ³ ⁴ ⁵

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs described the sanctions as “an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations”. The DFA emphasized such actions “do not foster mutual trust, responsible management of differences, or create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue”. ¹

Philippine Officials Call It Coercion

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan condemned the sanctions as “a clear escalation in China’s pattern of coercion and intimidation against a smaller neighbor”.

“As a Cabinet official and the President’s alter ego on defense and security, Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro articulates and implements national policy. Punishing him and his family for doing so is a direct affront not only to him, but to the President, the Philippine state, and our constitutional order,” Pangilinan added. ⁴

China’s Embassy Issues Warning

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not directly address Philippine officials’ comments but issued a stern warning Saturday. Deputy spokesperson Guo Wei said “As the saying goes, people are known by the company they keep. Those who undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests, damage the development of China–Philippines relations, and jeopardize regional peace and stability will ultimately pay the price for their actions”. ⁴

NMC’s Maritime Security Mandate

The NMC was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March 2024 to strengthen maritime security and increase domain awareness amid China’s aggressive tactics in the West Philippine Sea. Chaired by the executive secretary, the interagency body includes 12 Cabinet secretaries, with Teodoro as defense secretary. ⁴

The council remains committed to supporting “lawful, peaceful, and whole-of-government efforts to advance the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests” while maintaining dialogue and promoting a rules-based maritime order anchored on international law. ⁴

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Notes:

¹ Associated Press: “Philippines calls China sanctions on defense chief ‘unfriendly’”. apnews. https://apnews.com/article/philippines-china-defense-secretary-gilberto-teodoro-jr-89e6999d31d4338d1a3fc0187c1612b7

² Xinhua/People’s Daily: “China announces sanctions against Philippine defense secretary”. en.people. https://en.people.cn/n3/2026/0612/c90000-20466785.html

³ Al Jazeera: “China bars Philippines defence chief as South China Sea spat sails onwards”. aljazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/11/china-bars-philippines-defence-chief-as-south-china-sea-spat-sails-onwards

⁴ Ground News: “NMC defends Teodoro vs China sanctions, upholds rights in West Ph. Sea”. ground. https://ground.news/article/nmc-defends-teodoro-vs-china-sanctions-upholds-rights-in-west-ph-sea

⁵ Washington Post: “Philippines protests China’s sanctions against its defense chief”. washingtonpost. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/06/11/philippines-china-defense-secretary-gilberto-teodoro-jr/620f700a-65f7-11f1-bdd4-805ebb99a693_story.html