Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not ordered government officials to stop challenging false narratives and territorial claims made by China and its embassy in the Philippines.
Teodoro made the statement in response to an appeal from more than 20 business leaders urging government officials to tone down their rhetoric and ease tensions with Beijing, DZRH's Edniel Parrosa reported.
The Defense chief maintained that the government must continue to counter misleading statements with facts, stressing that defending the country's territory and resources is essential to sustaining a resilient economy.
He added that the business sector would also benefit from protecting the West Philippine Sea and other resources within Philippine territory.
“Walang kautusan ang ating Pangulo na huwag natin salungatin ang hindi makatotohanan na mga inihahayag ng Chinese Embassy o kung sino man,” Teodoro said.
“Kailangan salungatin natin ang kasinungalingan, sagutin natin ang katotohanan. At the end of the day, hindi ka matatalo pagkasama mo yung katotohanan,” he added.
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