The Commission on Appointments confirms the selection of Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. as secretary of the Department of National Defense in Pasay City on September 13, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday firmly denied rumors of his resignation, calling them "fake news."

In a press conference in Palawan, Teodoro asserted that he has no intention of leaving his position.

"Wala akong intensyon na lisanin ang aking puwesto," said Teodoro.

His denial comes amid recent speculations about his departure from his post. Teodoro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already addressed those rumors and reinforced that they are not true.

READ: Marcos says rumor of Gibo's resignation 'fake news'

Teodoro reaffirmed his commitment to the mission of strengthening the armed forces through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. 

"Wala akong intensyon na mag resign. Ako ay nangako sa ating Pangulo na may misyon kaming kailangang gawin [at] 'yan ay patatagin ang ating Armed forces sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept," said Teodoro. 

He highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the Department of National Defense’s capabilities and ensure the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

"'Yan ay commitment ko sa pangulo na meron ding commitment sa taong bayan na pangalagaan ang territorial integrity and sovereignty ng ating bansa," he added. 

Teodoro also urged the public to avoid politicizing the Department of National Defense, emphasizing that his focus remains on fulfilling his duties. He clarified that he has no plans to run for office in 2025 and is dedicated to serving as Secretary of National Defense with the full support and trust of President Marcos Jr. 

"Ang apela ko lang wag nang idamay ang Department of National Defense if you know may pamumulitika… Wag nang idamay itong napaka vital na departmento na ito at ang aking sarili sa fake news at propaganda. Wala akong balak na tumakbo sa 2025 hindi ako tatakbo maliwanag 'yan dahil nakatutok ako [at] naka process ako sa aking trabaho bilang secretary ng National Defense na ipinangako ko na gagampanan ko ng buong puso at pag iisip sa ating Pangulo," said Teodoro.

READ: Talks ongoing to expand Mutual Defense Treaty with US -- Teodoro

The secretary concluded by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirming his dedication to his role and the mission of the department. 

"Malaking karangalan na bigyan ako ng pagkakataon na patuloy na tiwala na magsilbi sa ating Pangulo dahil aligned ang aming misyong para sa kinabukasan ng ating Department of National Defense at ng ating bansa," he said.

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