PH Defense Secretary owes Filipinos an answer

Two letters purportedly written by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr to a US official have surfaced online. Both letters name Peter Enzminger as the recipient. He is listed as a counselor at the US Embassy in Manila and is reportedly linked to the CIA.

·The first letter, dated July 31, 2026, says the US interests are the "highest guiding principle" of Teodoro's official duties. It suggests Philippine operations near Ren'ai Reef were deliberately conducted to provoke China, even at risk to Philippine personnel, and presents his possible rise to the presidency as strategically advantageous to the US.

·The second, dated May 29, 2026, but circulated later, discusses pushing a multibillion-dollar purchase of F-16 fighter jets and other US weapons. It suggests major defense purchases were used to win favor with Washington.

The Philippine Department of National Defense has called the first letter fake, while the second remains unverified. But the allegations demand a serious and independent investigation. If proven true, they would suggest Teodoro's actions serve neither Philippine interests nor the country's sovereignty.