MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he would let the legal process take its course after a complaint was filed against him over his alleged possession of a Maltese passport.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Air Force’s 79th founding anniversary at Villamor Air Base, Teodoro said he would await the outcome of the case.

“Kung nagsampa, tignan natin ang kalalabasan. Kaso iyon eh. Tignan natin,” Teodoro said.

Asked about allegations that he failed to renounce his supposed Maltese citizenship or passport, the defense chief said he had already clarified the matter.

“Matagal ko nang kinlarify. Ayaw nila maniwala, eh di patunayan nila. Sila naman ang nagsampa, di ba? Patunayan nila,” he said.

A lawyer earlier filed a complaint accusing Teodoro of perjury and falsification of public documents over his alleged dual citizenship.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has dismissed the complaint as a “fishing expedition,” saying it is based on unverified allegations, lacks credible evidence, and improperly shifts the burden of proof to government agencies instead of the complainants.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also denied claims that military generals were preparing to file similar complaints against Teodoro.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve) described the allegation as “a joke” and likewise rejected reports of a rift between the military and the defense secretary, saying there is no tension between the AFP and Teodoro.