Teodoro gets second rebuff from PH business, civil society groups

As Defense Chief continues to double down against China

On Nov 8, 2026

PHILIPPINE Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (from DFA X account).

PHILIPPINE Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro gets a second public rebuff from the country’s leading business and academic organizations and civil society groups even as he continues to double down on his attacks against China.

In another joint statement, the groups said they support the efforts of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro to restore stable diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Lazaro, in a post on “X” (formerly Twitter), bared that she called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on November 3 and that they had a “frank and constructive discussion on the direction of Philippines – China relations.”

“Both sides emphasized the need for continued diplomatic dialogue and the proper management of differences anchored on mutual respect,” she added.

In the joint statement, the groups praised Secretary Lazaro “for her recent constructive engagement with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and her call for sustained dialogue and cooperation between the Philippines and China.”

Signing the statement are: the Asian Association of Academic Administrators and Educators Inc. (A4E); Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII); Federation of Free Workers (FFW);

The post of Foreign Affairs Secretary Lazaro on his phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (from DFA X account).

Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI); Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP); GS1 Philippines; OFW Foundation; Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA); Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors (PALSCON);

Philippine Association of Salt Industry Networks Inc. (PhilASIN); Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI); Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI);

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT); Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX);

Philippine Franchise Association (PFA); Philippine Retailers Association (PRA); Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA); Semiconductor and Electronic Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI); and the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WomenBiz).

The statement follows their first statement on November 2 calling for a “constructive Philippines – China relations” in which they also rejected Teodoro’s call for Philippine businesses to ‘decouple’ from China (Pinoy Exposé, November 4, 2026).

“We recognize the DFA’s pragmatic and statesmanlike approach in protecting the country’s national interests, particularly its economic development, trade and exports,

tourism, overseas Filipino workers, and other vital bilateral engagements with China, the Philippines’ largest trading partner,” the second statement added.

They further explained:

“Amid global uncertainty and intensifying economic competition, our ASEAN neighbors are deepening their trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, and tourism partnerships with China.

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro continues with his anti-China campaign, sabotaging the DFA effort towards reconciliation (grab from ANC during Teodoro’s visit in Albay last July).

“The Philippines must likewise pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities through constructive engagement, while firmly upholding its sovereignty and national interests.

“We therefore support the DFA’s pursuit of principled diplomacy and sustained dialogue over confrontation, recognizing that a balanced and constructive relationship with China is essential to advancing Philippine economic security, national interests, and sustainable development.”

Teodoro continues to defy BBM, won’t bow to reason

Despite calls for balance and sobriety, the Defense Chief would not be restrained, however.

Just a day after Secretary Lazaro announced her talk with Minister Wang, Teodoro doubled down in his attacks against China.

Asked by reporters while attending the 97^th anniversary of Misamis Occidental in Oroquieta City, Teodoro affirmed his opposition to the joint oil and gas exploration with China that President Marcos Jr. has already announced.

Teodoro, according to the report of mainstream ABS-CBN, also derided China’s investments in the Philippines, going as far as claiming that China might even put up offshore gaming operations (POGO) in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

“Nakita naman natin ‘yung klase ng mga investments nila dito. Baka magkaroon ng POGO diyan sa West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said, as quoted by ABS-CBN.