Philippine Defense Chief Denies Chinese Sanctions, Says Has No Assets in China
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro denied reports of Chinese sanctions against him, stating he has no assets in China and no intention to travel there, while criticizing the Chinese government's treatment of its people. The reports follow a raid on a steel plant under the Defense Department's supervision where 69 Chinese workers were arrested.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 18:06
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 18:16 (10 min after Published)
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Philippine media reported that China has imposed sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro. Teodoro responded by saying he has no assets in China and no intention of going there, and criticized the Chinese government's oppressive style, calling it off-putting.
Philippine media outlet Politiko reported yesterday, citing a source, that Teodoro and his family have been placed on a Chinese entry ban list, and that China is investigating whether his family has assets in China, which could be frozen or controlled if found.
Teodoro responded to the report during a visit to a military camp in Cagayan de Oro City in the southern Philippines the same afternoon, saying he has no assets in China and no plans to go there.
He recounted that his ancestors migrated from China to the Philippines about six or seven generations ago and never returned, calling it "the right decision, otherwise I might not have reached my current position."
Teodoro added that he once considered visiting China because of its famous cuisine and friendly people, but said these advantages are overshadowed by China's high-handed regime.
He said, "It's not that I don't want to go. Such a big country with such a rich culture, anyone would be interested. But the Chinese government's way of doing things is to deprive people of their rights, so forget it."
According to Politiko's report, Philippine law enforcement agencies raided a steel plant in the south on May 15, arresting 69 Chinese nationals alleged to be working illegally. The industrial park where the steel plant is located is under the supervision of the Philippine Department of National Defense.
After an investigation, the Chinese embassy claimed that these Chinese nationals held legal work documents and criticized the legality of the Philippine law enforcement action.
As of press time, neither the Chinese embassy nor the Philippine government has confirmed whether Teodoro has been sanctioned by Beijing.
Teodoro comes from the prominent Cojuangco political and business family in the Philippines. His mother served as a congresswoman during the era of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, and his uncle was the chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation.
Teodoro is also a cousin of the late former President Benigno Aquino III.
Teodoro himself has served as a provincial board member, a three-term congressman, and also served as Defense Secretary under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Philippine Star reported in 2009 that the Cojuangco family's ancestry can be traced back to a Chinese immigrant named Yu Huan Co, who moved to the Philippines in 1861. Known as "Goanco," Yu Huan Co later "Hispanicized" his surname to Cojuangco to integrate into mainstream society. (Editor: Chen Chenggong) 1150604
Philippine media outlet Politiko reported yesterday, citing a source, that Teodoro and his family have been placed on a Chinese entry ban list, and that China is investigating whether his family has assets in China, which could be frozen or controlled if found.
Teodoro responded to the report during a visit to a military camp in Cagayan de Oro City in the southern Philippines the same afternoon, saying he has no assets in China and no plans to go there.
He recounted that his ancestors migrated from China to the Philippines about six or seven generations ago and never returned, calling it "the right decision, otherwise I might not have reached my current position."
Teodoro added that he once considered visiting China because of its famous cuisine and friendly people, but said these advantages are overshadowed by China's high-handed regime.
He said, "It's not that I don't want to go. Such a big country with such a rich culture, anyone would be interested. But the Chinese government's way of doing things is to deprive people of their rights, so forget it."
According to Politiko's report, Philippine law enforcement agencies raided a steel plant in the south on May 15, arresting 69 Chinese nationals alleged to be working illegally. The industrial park where the steel plant is located is under the supervision of the Philippine Department of National Defense.
After an investigation, the Chinese embassy claimed that these Chinese nationals held legal work documents and criticized the legality of the Philippine law enforcement action.
As of press time, neither the Chinese embassy nor the Philippine government has confirmed whether Teodoro has been sanctioned by Beijing.
Teodoro comes from the prominent Cojuangco political and business family in the Philippines. His mother served as a congresswoman during the era of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, and his uncle was the chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation.
Teodoro is also a cousin of the late former President Benigno Aquino III.
Teodoro himself has served as a provincial board member, a three-term congressman, and also served as Defense Secretary under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The Philippine Star reported in 2009 that the Cojuangco family's ancestry can be traced back to a Chinese immigrant named Yu Huan Co, who moved to the Philippines in 1861. Known as "Goanco," Yu Huan Co later "Hispanicized" his surname to Cojuangco to integrate into mainstream society. (Editor: Chen Chenggong) 1150604
FAQ
Was Secretary Teodoro sanctioned by China?
Reported by Philippine media, but not confirmed by the Chinese embassy or Philippine government.
What is Teodoro's stance on China?
He stated he has no assets in China and no intention to travel there, and criticized the Chinese government.
What is the background of this incident?
It stems from the arrest of 69 Chinese workers at a steel plant under the Philippine Defense Department's supervision.