Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said on Thusday the Philippines is “growing weaker” as corruption controversies, political conflict, and unresolved investigations continue to erode public trust and national stability.
In an exclusive interview on dzRH's Dos Por Dos, Teodoro pointed out that the country cannot claim to be strengthening when its institutions are weighed down by scandal and a growing clamor for justice.
“Talagang humihina ang bansa natin. Hindi natin masasabi talagang lumalakas ito gawa ng may mga isyu ng korapsyon, politikal, at uhaw ang taumbayan sa hustisya,” he said.
Teodoro stressed that both the public and the accused have the right to impartial and credible justice, adding that delays and lack of transparency are further weakening the state, citing a quote "Justice should not only actually be impartial but must appear to the impartial."
“Hindi natin ipinagkakaila na may mga problema, isang sinto sinto lang siguro ang magsasabi ng wala. Ngunit sa ganang akin, ang DND at ang AFP ay maliwanag ang tungkulin. Ito ay ang pangalagaan ang seguridad ng estado sa lahat ng manunupil, foreign o domestic,” he said.
Teodoro pointed to lingering corruption cases—including the controversy involving resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co—as a major factor behind national weakening. While denying that the administration is protecting anyone, he admitted that prolonged silence fuels suspicion.
"Walang pinagtatakpan ang administrasyon dahil independent commission nga ang ICI at Ombudsman ngunit habang tumatagal ito, hindi mawawala ang duda ng tao na may pinagtatakpan. That is obvious," he emphasized.
Teodoro said unresolved corruption erodes trust not only in government but also in democratic institutions, making the public more vulnerable to political manipulation and misinformation.
Marcos siblings dispute
The defense chief said internal political clashes—including explosive allegations such as those recently raised by Sen. Imee Marcos—add to the nation’s fragility.
Although he described senator's remarks as personal rather than destabilizing, Teodoro acknowledged that emotional political rhetoric damages national cohesion.
"Hindi ko nakikita sa statement ni Sen. Imee [na manghihikayat ito ng mas malaking pagkilos]. Sa tingin ko personal ang dahilan. At kung himikayat man ito ng mas malaking pagkilos, ‘di sana nangyari na ito dahil napaka-emosyonal at surprising ng kaniyang ni-raise at hindi mo aakalain na mangyayari," he said.
Amid rising tensions, Teodoro emphasized that the AFP must not intervene in political disputes, warning that doing so would further weaken the Republic.
"Ang hindi magawa ng sundalo ay makisama sa political action o makielam gamit ang sandata upang maging inampalan o west ng isang political contest. ‘Yan ang hindi mangyayari at natuto na tayo ng ilang beses," he stressed.
He rejected interpretations of the Constitution that encourage military involvement in political crises.
Destabilization issue
Teodoro admitted that destabilization efforts exist, especially when political issues intensify.
"Hindi malayo ‘yun at hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin na hindi. Mayroon talaga kasi ang active destabilization gagana ‘yan kapag binigyan ng political issue." Teodoro said,
He also noted that some politicians are attempting to influence soldiers in destablization.
Still, he warned that any attempt to seize power outside legal or electoral processes would further damage an already fragile national structure.
“'Yung destabilize na agaw ng poder ng gobyerno na hindi dadaan sa legal na proseso o sa halalan yan ang hinihikayat ng iba. AT yan ay hindi naaayon sa batas at hindi naaayon sa pagtataag ng batang republika,” he said.
