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 |
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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 the 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.