Confirmation of the Ad-Interim Appointment of Hon. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. as Secretary of the Department of National Defense

Co-Sponsorship Speech of
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda
for the Confirmation of the Ad-Interim Appointment of
Hon. Gilbert Teodoro, Jr.
as Secretary of the Department of National Defense
Session Hall, Senate of the Philippines
13 September 2023

It is my honor and privilege to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. as Secretary of National Defense.

As our country faces threats both foreign and domestic, we need a leader who is not just qualified but also outstanding; someone who will not just secure our territorial integrity and sovereignty but also promote the welfare of the people. Secretary Teodoro possesses the academic, professional, and ethical background necessary to take the helm of our nation’s security.

His record is known to us all. Sec. Gibo started his public service in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Tarlac and he was the President of the Kabataang Barangay of Central Luzon.

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions at the De La Salle University in 1984. He was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence at the University of the Philippines College of Law and topped the Philippine Bar Examinations in 1989. He finished his Master of Laws at Harvard University and passed the New York State Bar Examination. He completed the Command and Staff Course of the Philippine Air Force and the AFP Joint and Combined Staff Officer Course and won the Leadership Award in both courses.

From 1998 to 2007, he served as the Representative of the 1st District of Tarlac for 3 consecutive terms and authored more than a hundred bills.

Furthermore, he previously held the Secretary of Defense position in 2007.

Mr. President, Sec. Teodoro’s track record speaks for itself. While serving as the Secretary of Defense in 2008, he also became the Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). He steered the country towards preparedness and resiliency and he never stopped unless all Filipinos were safe and accounted for.

Sec. Teodoro’s laudable priority agenda for the Department first and foremost includes human rights advocacy. This is critical to ensure that we hold our forces to the highest standard and dignity. He also made sure that relevant stakeholders are involved to safeguard long lasting peace.

Moreover, he advocated a stronger, rational and strategy-based national defense policy. He put in place a Public Assistance Desk, support to veterans, and transparency measures in the Department of National Defense.

Sec. Teodoro broadened the nation’s security objectives into a “whole of government” strategy. He ensured that national development efforts reach critical areas affected by insurgent or secessionist movements.

I am sure that with Sec. Teodoro at the head of our defenses, we can sleep at night peacefully knowing that our nation’s freedom is protected by a brilliant secretary whose heart is for the people.

It is therefore my honor to support and join the sponsor in moving for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. as Secretary of the Department of National Defense.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.