Philippine president reappoints former defence chief

6/6/2023 5:45

        Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Gilberto Teodoro as defence secretary.
        
        Teodoro is a former lawmaker in the lower chamber of congress and also served as defence secretary 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 defence 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 secretary.