Marcos reappoints former defense secretary, chooses health chief

June 6, 2023 - 9:42 AM
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This June 2023 photo shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meeting with r President Marcos met with Gibo Teodoro and DND Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez. (Presidential Communications Office/Released)

 Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Gilberto Teodoro as defense minister, the presidential palace said in a statement on Monday.

Teodoro is a former lawmaker in the lower chamber of congress and also served as defense minister under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. His reappointment comes at a time of increasing tensions in the South China Sea.

Teodoro replaces Carlito Galvez, a former military chief who has held the defense portfolio in an acting capacity since January.

Marcos also appointed Teodoro Herbosa, a medical advisor to the government’s COVID-19 task force, as his first health minister.

—Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales;Editing by Gareth Jones and Emelia Sithole-Matarise