DND, Galvez welcome new Secretary Teodoro

Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday welcomed the takeover of Gilbert Teodoro Jr. as the new secretary of the department.

“The Department of National Defense welcomes the appointment of Atty. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. as the new Secretary of National Defense,” Galvez said in a statement.

The Presidential Communications Office announced Teodoro's appointment on Monday after his meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Galvez thanked Marcos for his trust as well as the entire One Defense Team, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian bureaus, for their support during his stint as officer-in-charge.

“We have achieved great strides in our priority programs on internal security, territorial defense, disaster preparedness, and the continued development of the defense organization,” Galvez said.

“Rest assured that the DND has my unequivocal support as we all work together in the pursuit of our vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Philippines,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, meanwhile, also welcomed Teodoro and paid tribute to Galvez.

“We believe that his decisive leadership, professional competence, and wealth of experience, highlighted by his previous assignment as the defense chief from 2007 to 2009, will help build upon our gains in the defense and security of the country,” said military spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar in a statement.

“The AFP also renders its snappiest salute to Senior Usec Carlito Galvez Jr., the outgoing DND Officer-in-Charge, for his inspiring and dedicated leadership in the Defense Department. Thank you for your service, Sir!” he added.

Teodoro’s appointment came after Marcos said in early May that a reorganization could happen in his Cabinet as the appointment ban on losing candidates who ran in last year's elections ended on May 9, 2023.

He said he was keen on appointing to certain positions some individuals who are now no longer covered by the prohibition.

Teodoro was first appointed defense secretary under the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He was the youngest to hold the position at 43.

He also assumed the role of Chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) during his tenure as Secretary of Defense.

Teodoro ran for senator in Eleksyon 2022 after several years of taking a break from the public eye.

He was also a three-term member of the House of Representatives when he represented the first district of Tarlac.

Teodoro topped the bar in 1989 after graduating at the top of his class at the University of the Philippines College of Law. He has a bachelor's degree in Commerce, Major in Financial Institutions from De La Salle University.

He furthered his legal education by obtaining a Master's degree in Law from Harvard University.

Teodoro took his oath to office for his new post at Malacañang on Tuesday, which was administered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. —Joviland Rita/ VAL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News