Complaint filed vs Teodoro over ‘dual citizenship’

MANILA, Philippines — A complaint was filed before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office seeking an investigation over issues related to Defense Sec. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s alleged dual citizenship.

In a 16-page joint complaint-affidavit, petitioners Russel Miraflor, Jerry Hondrado, Antonio Balondo Jr. and Ernie Arimala asked the prosecutor’s office to conduct a preliminary investigation against Teodoro.

READ: DND chief Teodoro still enjoys trust, confidence of Marcos – Palace

Article continues after this advertisement

The petitioners accused Teodoro of violating Republic Act No.8239, otherwise known as the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, for allegedly making false statements in a Philippine passport application and or using or attempting to use a Philippine passport secured through such false statements.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

They also accused Teodoro of violating Article 172(1), in relation to Article 171(4), of the Revised Penal Code,  as well as Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

“Complainants are not filing this case to harass, vex, or embarrass respondent,” the complaint read.

“They (the complainants) are lawyers and taxpayers who have a legitimate legal and public interest in ensuring that official documents submitted to the Government, particularly passport applications, contain truthful and complete declarations,” it added.

According to the petitioners, the prosecutor’s office should “produce certified true copies of the relevant passport application records, passport issuance records, travel records, citizenship retention or reacquisition records, and other official documents, so that the existence or non-existence of probable cause may be determined on the basis of authentic records.””

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Department of National Defense tagged the petition as a complaint “built on unverified allegations.”

The DND said the petitioners also seemed to attempt to shift the burden of proof to the State “by requesting the Office of the Pasay City Prosecutor and other government agencies to establish the very facts the complainants themselves failed to prove.”

Article continues after this advertisement

“That is not how the justice system works. The burden of proof rests on those who make the accusation,” DND Asec. Erik Dy said in a statement.

“A complaint for perjury requires competent evidence, not speculation, assumptions, or a fishing expedition in search of proof. Until credible and verified evidence is presented, these claims remain nothing but unproven accusations,” he added. /mr

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.