Marcos belies reports Teodoro has resigned

(UPDATES) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday belied rumors that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has quit his post.

The President branded the reports as “fake news” spread by the “desperate” detractors of his administration.

“They have nothing good to contribute to alleviate the lives of every Filipino, but are instead sowing confusion,” he said in Filipino during an interview in Navotas City.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. TMT file photo

Marcos reminded the public not to be too quick to believe what they hear or read, especially on the internet.

“We know the truth. So, we will give it to you as soon as we can and as quickly as we can so that people understand what is going on,” he said.

If there are changes in the Cabinet or in government, he will be the one to announce it, and not anyone else, he said.

Prior to Marcos’ pronouncement, Malacañang had said his full trust and confidence in Teodoro “has never wavered.”

The Palace likewise issued an appeal for the “fighting men” of the armed forces and the defense cluster to be spared “the corrosive politicking that has no place in their ranks.”

On Thursday, Department of National Defense (DND) Information Director Arsenio Andolong dispelled the reports that Teodoro had resigned.

“We call on those who purposely propagate unfounded lies to be circumspect and refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation,” Andolong said in a statement.

He said he had no idea who and what group started the rumor.

Andolong said Teodoro and the DND “are focused squarely on boosting the nation’s capabilities to protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

“We urge the public to be vigilant against misleading claims that aim to sow discord among the Filipino people and divert our attention from the real challenges that beset our country,” he said.

In July, a supposed group of high-ranking military officials was said to have submitted a manifesto in Malacañang asking for Teodoro’s resignation for alleged mishandling of the West Philippine Sea issue.