Gilberto Teodoro Jr. renounces Maltese citizenship to serve in Philippine government

In 2023, Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was appointed the Philippine Defense Secretary by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As Philippine law typically disqualifies candidates for high public office with dual citizenship, Teodoro had taken the necessary steps to renounce his Maltese citizenship prior to his appointment. This followed his acquisition of a Maltese passport in 2016 under Malta's golden passport scheme, which allowed citizenship through financial investment. Teodoro's citizenship status gained public attention and became a point of contention, with critics allegedly attempting to undermine his credibility by questioning the legitimacy of his citizenship renouncement. Before running for a Senate seat in 2021, Teodoro surrendered his Maltese passport, thus complying with the Philippine legal requirements concerning dual citizenship. Despite his efforts, he lost the senatorial bid. Following his failure in the 2021 elections, the process was again scrutinized when he was appointed defense chief. The Philippine Defense Department confirmed that Teodoro had disclosed his renunciation to authorities and that it had been acknowledged during the congressional committee on appointments. Teodoro is recognized for being vocal against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, advocating for a strengthened treaty alliance with the United States and pursuing enhanced security partnerships with other nations to protect Philippine interests. His stance on national security and foreign relations, in conjunction with his citizenship status, has made him a focal point in discussions about governance and diplomacy in the region. As his appointment progressed, debates about dual citizenship in public office sparked concerns over integrity and the motives behind critics’ claims against him. The Defense Department suggested that such criticism was orchestrated to undermine Teodoro's image at a time of critical geopolitical tension involving China. This unfolding scenario represents broader implications for citizenship, governance, and political accountability in the Philippines amidst rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.