Marcos Coup?: How Gilberto Teodoro’s Defense Secretary Role Echoes His Past Under Arroyo

Gilberto Teodoro, also known as Gibo, is a former congressman, lawyer, and presidential candidate who was appointed as the Secretary of National Defense by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June 2023. Teodoro, 59, is the first permanent defense chief under the Marcos administration, after two former military chiefs served as officers-in-charge. 

He is also the first person to hold the post twice, having served as the defense secretary under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2007 to 2009.

Teodoro’s appointment has sparked speculation and rumors of a possible military coup, as he is seen as a loyal and trusted ally of Marcos, who is facing mounting protests and criticism over his controversial policies and actions, such as the declaration of martial law, the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, the crackdown on the opposition and the media, and the revival of the Marcos dictatorship’s legacy and symbols.

Some observers and analysts have suggested that Teodoro’s appointment is part of Marcos’ strategy to secure and consolidate his power, and to prevent and deter any coup attempts from within the military or the civilian sectors. 

They have also pointed out that Teodoro has a strong and influential network in the defense and security establishment, as well as in the political and business circles, which could help Marcos in his governance and agenda.

The experience and the reputation of Teodoro

Teodoro is a seasoned and respected figure in Philippine politics and society, with a distinguished and diverse background and career. He graduated from De La Salle University Manila in 1984 and finished law at the University of the Philippines in 1989. He went on to study at Harvard for his Master of Laws and passed the State Bar of New York in 1997. He entered politics for the first time in the 1998 elections, representing the 1st District of Tarlac for three consecutive terms in Congress.

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Teodoro served in the executive branch from 2007 to 2009 as secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) under the Arroyo administration, the youngest person ever to hold the post at the age of 43. He was also the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) during his tenure as defense chief. He was known for his efforts in modernizing and reforming the military, as well as in responding to various natural and man-made disasters, such as the Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) in 2009.

Teodoro ran for president in the 2010 elections as the standard-bearer of Arroyo’s then-ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD, but lost to his second cousin, the late Benigno Simeon Aquino III, son of democracy icon and former president Cory Aquino. He stayed mostly out of the political spotlight following his 2010 loss, and held posts, mostly as a member of the board, in various private companies. He also joined the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command as a colonel in 2012.

The challenges and the opportunities of Teodoro

Teodoro faces a number of challenges and opportunities as the defense secretary under the Marcos administration, which has been marked by controversy and conflict, both domestically and internationally. Some of the challenges and opportunities include:

• Balancing and managing the relations and the interests of the Philippines and its allies, especially the US, which has expressed its concern and condemnation over Marcos’ martial law and human rights violations, and has suspended its security and economic assistance to the country. Teodoro has to navigate the complex and dynamic geopolitical landscape, and to protect and advance the national sovereignty and security of the Philippines.
• Addressing and resolving the various security and defense issues and threats facing the country, such as the insurgency and terrorism of the communist and Islamist groups, the territorial and maritime disputes with China and other claimants in the South China Sea, and the cyber and hybrid warfare of the state and non-state actors. Teodoro has to lead and oversee the military and the defense department, and to coordinate and cooperate with the other agencies and sectors, in ensuring the peace and the stability of the country.
• Supporting and enhancing the development and the welfare of the military and the defense personnel, as well as the civilian and the humanitarian sectors, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic downturn. Teodoro has to implement and improve the policies and programs for the modernization and the reform of the military and the defense department, and to provide and facilitate the assistance and the services for the health and the education of the military and the defense personnel, and the disaster and the relief of the civilian and the humanitarian sectors.

Teodoro has been described as a technocrat, a pragmatist, and a peacemaker, who has the skills and the experience to handle and perform his role as the defense secretary. He has also been praised and appreciated by his colleagues and counterparts, both in the government and the military, and in the opposition and the civil society, for his integrity and professionalism, and for his openness and dialogue. 

However, he has also faced criticism and skepticism from some quarters, who have questioned and challenged his loyalty and credibility, and his motives and intentions, in serving under the Marcos administration.