Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. renounced Maltese citizenship before running for senator in the 2022 election and after being appointed as a Cabinet member, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Monday.

In a statement, Assistant Defense Secretary and spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said that the alleged Maltese passport of Teodoro "was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections."

"Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec prior to the 2022 elections, as well as to the Committee on Appointments prior to their confirmation of his appointment as Defense Secretary," he added.

Andolong issued his statement after a newspaper reported that the Cabinet secretary who is in charge of the country's defense and national security allegedly holds dual citizenship.

"The motive of this rumor is clear and known to Sec. Teodoro. The timing of the article adds to this motive," he added. He did not add details. Robina Asido/DMS