Secretary of National Defense (Philippines)
| Secretary of National Defense | |
|---|---|
| Kalihim ng Tanggulang Pambansa | |
Official seal of the Department of National Defense | |
since June 5, 2023 | |
| Style | The Honorable |
| Member of | Cabinet, National Security Council |
| Reports to | President of the Philippines |
| Appointer | The president with Commission on Appointments confirmation |
| Precursor | Secretary of War |
| Formation | November 1, 1939 |
| First holder | Teófilo Sison |
| Website | dnd.gov.ph |
The Secretary of national defense (Filipino: Kalihim ng Tanggulang Pambansa) is the head of the Department of National Defense of the Philippines and a member of the president's Cabinet.
The current secretary is former Philippine House representative of Tarlac's 1st congressional district , Gilbert Teodoro. He assumed office on June 5, 2023 and has previously served the same position from August 2007 to November 2009.
Historically, this cabinet position has been a stepping stone to the Philippine presidency. Two previous secretaries of national defense were elected president: Ramon Magsaysay and Fidel Ramos. Several others ran for the presidency: Alejo Santos, Juan Ponce Enrile, Renato de Villa, Norberto Gonzales , and Gilbert Teodoro.