August 3, 2026

A new round of political attacks against allegedly "pro-China" officials has unfolded in the Philippines after the presidential palace endorsed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s call for government officials who do not support Manila's position on the South China Sea to consider resigning.

Chinese experts expressed concern over the rhetoric, saying that labeling politicians with more rational views as disloyal risks excluding moderate voices from Philippine political debate. The rhetoric by Philippine officials is politically arrogant and naive. Experts also note that by stoking anti-China sentiment through what amounts to political bullying, the Philippines will only reap what it sows.

On Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro endorsed Teodoro's call for government officials who side with China on issues involving the South China Sea to consider resigning from their posts, saying that "We don't see anything wrong with it. The President and the administration see nothing wrong with what Secretary Gibo Teodoro said," according to Philippine media outlet Inquirer.net. 

Read more:

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202608/1367446.shtml