Teodoro brings Marcos-style bluntness to Seoul defense talks

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 08, 2026

Photo Courtesy: DND

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. made headlines at the Seoul Defense Dialogue after channeling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trademark “Mahiya naman kayo” remark while pushing back against China’s position on the South China Sea arbitration ruling.

Teodoro responded to a note from the Chinese side defending Beijing’s rejection of the 2016 international tribunal ruling, stressing the need to respect international law and established rules.

He also called for a rules-based security architecture centered on human security, human rights and respect for international norms, warning that smaller and archipelagic states are especially vulnerable when military power is used without restraint.

The defense chief said the Philippines would not compromise its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while continuing to strengthen its defense capabilities and partnerships with like-minded countries.

His remarks came as regional tensions remain high, with Teodoro emphasizing that stronger deterrence and cooperation are needed to prevent aggressive actions from threatening stability in the Indo-Pacific.

From a familiar Filipino catchphrase to a pointed diplomatic rebuke, Teodoro’s message in Seoul was clear: the Philippines intends to stand its ground and expects the same rules to apply to everyone.