14-07-2025
DND says Teodoro's Maltese passport renounced in 2021 amid 'dual citizenship' issue
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday clarified that the reported Maltese passport of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has been renounced as early as 2021.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong made the statement following a media report questioning Teodoro's alleged dual citizenship, which is prohibited for Cabinet members.
'The alleged existing Maltese passport of Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,' Andolong said.
'Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Committee on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary,' he added.
Andolong expressed suspicion on the motive of the news article.
'The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive,' he said. —KG, GMA Integrated News
