MANILA, June 12 – The defense secretary of the Philippines responded with defiance on Friday after Beijing targeted him with sanctions, stating that China punishes “those who speak the truth against their deception.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro declared he would persist in carrying out his responsibilities and “uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness” occurring in Philippine territory and surrounding waters.
Beijing’s foreign ministry revealed the sanctions against Teodoro and his family members on Thursday, claiming the defense official had “repeatedly made erroneous remarks concerning China” that damaged China’s “legitimate interests” and relations between the two countries.
