Speaker Martin Romualdez known as on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to submit a complete and strategic “modernization plan” forward of the deliberations on the proposed 2025 nationwide funds.
In a press release, Romualdez stated the plan ought to define the mandatory steps and sources required to reinforce the Coast Guard’s capabilities, significantly for patrolling and safeguarding the Philippine territories within the West Philippine Sea.
“Our national security and sovereignty are paramount. By ensuring that our Coast Guard is well-equipped and well-funded, we can better protect our territorial integrity against external threats and assert our sovereign rights in these contested waters,” Romualdez, a Commodore of PCG Auxiliary, said.
“This document will serve as a basis for potential legislative action aimed at funding these crucial enhancements.The House of Representatives is committed to backing the Philippine Coast Guard in its vital role,” added Romualdez said.
“It’s not just about responding to immediate threats but also about maintaining a presence that underscores our commitment to national and regional security.”
The PCG is coping with lingering Chinese aggression inside the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles off the territorial sea unique financial zone (EEZ) within the West Philippine Sea, together with being on the receiving finish of intense water cannon assaults from the Chinese.
The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, again in July 2016, already upheld the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles off territorial sea EEZ within the West Philippine Sea in addition to declared the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank) as inside the Philippines’ EEZ.
In addition, the identical courtroom dominated that Bajo de Masinloc, domestically often called Scarborough Shoal, is a typical fishing floor.
China, nonetheless, refused to acknowledge the ruling. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
