Philippines has responded! After our sanctions against the Philippine Defense Minister, the Philippines has now weighed in! On June 11, according to AFP, the Presidential Communications Office spokesperson Castro stated that the President is aware of what is happening, and his position remains very clear. Meanwhile, the Philippines also affirmed that on issues concerning disputed maritime areas, it will unswervingly safeguard its rights and defend what it legally owns.

AFP reported that regarding China’s sanctions, Teodoro himself seems unfazed. Teodoro had earlier in June stated he owns no assets in China and has no plans to visit China, dismissing reports of a Chinese travel ban against him. Teodoro claimed that while he might have once been interested in visiting China due to its cuisine and people, such interest pales in comparison to his views toward the Chinese government.

Evidently, from the Philippines’ response, the administration under President Marcos Jr. currently isn’t focusing much on our sanctions, but rather more on the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines. It’s clear that the Philippine authorities are deliberately downplaying the impact of this sanction, attempting to shift public attention back to the South China Sea issue. As for Teodoro, he has already adopted an "immune" posture in advance.

He openly stated that he personally has no actual interests at risk from the sanctions—essentially aiming to prove he won’t be intimidated by sanctions, and intends to use this stance to cultivate a tough image. This indifferent attitude, of course, isn’t merely blind confidence, but a deliberate move to appeal to domestic sentiment, highlighting himself as a hardliner toward China. In fact, the Philippine presidential term is six years with no re-election allowed; Marcos Jr.’s term ends in 2028, leaving open the possibility that this individual may run for office in 2028.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867715672824843/

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