By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Displaying their patriotism, Cavite Representatives Lani Mercado-Revilla and Ramon Jolo Revilla III, along with Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla have jointly introduced a measure seeking to establish a lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.
In House Bill 10226, the Revillas underscored the necessity of asserting the territorial rights of the county in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid the persistent presence of Chinese vessels in the area.
“It is imperative that we also enhance our presence in the Ayungin Shoal, and constructing a lighthouse there is a vital step forward,” the Revillas said in the explanatory note of their bill.
The Revillas said they agreed with former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio that diplomatic protests alone may be inadequate in addressing China’s aggressiveness in WPS.
Under the measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be tasked to plan, design, and construct the proposed lighthouse.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal.
They added that the necessary funds will be included in the annual budgets of the DPWH and PCG.
(el Amigo/MNM)
