Asian defense cooperation, AFP fixed-term law await Teodoro — solons 

Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro. (File) Image from his Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives welcomed the appointment of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro but said that he faces many new challenges, including Asian defense cooperation and maritime issues in the West Philippine Sea.

Iloilo 5th district Rep. Raul Tupas, who chairs the House Committee on national defense and security, lauded Teodoro’s appointment.

“Given the looming new chapter of the Mutual Defense Treaty and overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the United States, Secretary Teodoro, as alter ego of the President, has the unique and crucial responsibility of literally crafting that new chapter and key aspect of the emerging history of defense cooperation of the Philippines with other Asian countries,” said Tupas in a statement late Monday night.

READ: PH, US reaffirm Mutual Defense Treaty commitments

Tupas also said that Teodoro is tasked with implementing the Republic Act 11939, or the Act Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“There is also the matter of reforming the pension system for military and uniformed personnel, which must be tackled head-on in the coming months to assure the retiring officers and enlisted personnel of their and their families’ future,” he added.

Meanwhile, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro urged Teodoro to focus on external threats in the West Philippine Sea.

“As of now, the Defense Department should concentrate more on external aggression as the tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the Taiwan Strait continue to escalate due to  Chinese actions,” said Castro in a separate statement.

Malacañang announced Teodoro’s appointment on Monday evening alongside Teodoro Herbosa’s selection as Department of Health Secretary.

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