Teodoro: Pro-China tag rests on refusal to recognize West Philippines SeaMANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro said individuals who refuse to recognize the Aquino-era order naming the West Philippine Sea meet the defense department's standard for being pro-China. "The DND works on objective criteria and no other standard in cases involving the reputation of our citizens," Teodoro said in the statement. "In this situation, the standard is simple: who not only opposes AO29, but also refuses to recognize it — both elements being necessary." 29, issued in 2012, formally designates the specific maritime areas west of the country as the West Philippine Sea, and directs all government entities to adopt the name in official documents. Duterte has rarely spoken about the specifics of the Philippines' tensions with China at sea, including the harassment of Philippine vessels by China's fleet.