Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

The Commission on Appointments confirms the selection of Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. as secretary of the Department of National Defense in Pasay City on September 13, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

CA confirms Teodoro Appointment

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177692034081620230913-teodoro-gibo-dnd-confirmation-MD-1.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Commission on Appointments confirms the selection of Gilberto &quot;Gibo&quot; Teodoro Jr. as secretary of the Department of National Defense in Pasay City on September 13, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed China’s accusations against the Philippines, challenging Beijing to back its claims with proof and mocking its criticism of joint military exercises.</p><p>Teodoro was reacting to China’s allegation that Philippine vessels were burning and dumping garbage at Ayungin Shoal, as well as its warning that the Philippines, the United States and Japan were “playing with fire” through the Balikatan Exercise.</p><p>Teodoro criticized China’s refusal to participate in international arbitration, saying Beijing has consistently avoided proving its claims under fair legal proceedings.</p><p>“Lahat ng accusations nila ayaw nilang pruwebahan noong tayo ang nagdemanda sa Arbitral Tribunal. Magaling lang ‘yan sa ganyan pero pagdating sa kailangan pruwebahan na nila, pagdating sa patas na proceeding sa ilalim ng international law, ayaw na nila,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Yuldong at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.</p><p>The defense secretary also said sarcastically that China—widely recognized as the birthplace of fireworks—was in no position to accuse others of “playing with fire.”</p><p>“Sino ba ang pinakamalaking magpagawa ng paputok dito sa buong mundo kung hindi sila? Hindi ba sa kanila inimbento ang fireworks, tapos sasabihin playing with fire tayo? Ano sila, hilo?” Teodoro said.</p><p>“Kaya nga ‘yung [Pyro] Olympics sila lagi nananalo. Sila ang mahilig maglaro ng apoy,” he added.</p><p>China earlier warned that expanded military cooperation among Manila, Washington and their partner nations could heighten tensions in the region, saying such activities should not target any third party or undermine regional stability.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><strong><br/><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWhZ8va8ttE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ks2QUPbFRTk?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed China’s accusations against the Philippines, challenging Beijing to back its claims with proof and mocking its criticism of joint military exercises.</p>

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday dismissed China’s accusations against the Philippines, challenging Beijing to back its claims with proof and mocking its criticism of joint military exercises.

Teodoro slams China over ‘unproven’ claims, mocks ‘playing with fire’ remark

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Teodoro slams China over ‘unproven’ claims, mocks ‘playing with fire’ remark

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 23, 2026 01:06 PM PHT

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Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Libingan ng mga Bayani

China

playing with fire

fireworks

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