ROMUALDEZ: HOUSE STRONGLY SUPPORTS PBBM IN FORTIFYING PCG, PH MILITARY

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the collision incident Tuesday (05 March 2024) morning between a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and a much bigger Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel during the latest Ayungin Shoal resupply mission to the grounded ship BRP Sierra Madre, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has reaffirmed the full support of the House of Representatives for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to continuously enhance the capabilities of the PCG and modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We stand united in support of President Marcos, Jr.’s firm resolve to enhance our defense capabilities to uphold our country’s sovereignty and protect our national interest in the West Philippine Sea. The House of Representatives is solidly behind his decisive leadership and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Romualdez stressed.

In his keynote address at the Lowly Institute in Melbourne, Australia, Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will continue to upgrade the capabilities of the PCG and pursue the modernization of the AFP in line with his pronouncement that the Philippines shall never surrender even a square inch of its territory and maritime jurisdiction to any country.

Romualdez — who was part of the President’s official delegation to the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit — also expressed deep concern about the recent development in connection with the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.

“The House of Representatives pledges its full cooperation in the legislative process to ensure the timely implementation of measures to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard and modernize the AFP to bolster our country’s defense posture in the face of emerging challenges,” the House leader said.

The President has disclosed that he approved earlier this year the updated acquisition plan of the AFP called Re-Horizon 3, in line with the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

“The stability and prosperity of our region rely heavily on the principles of diplomacy and adherence to the rules-based order,” Romualdez pointed out.

He added: “The Philippines remains committed to pursuing diplomatic channels to address this issue and seeks to foster a relationship with China based on mutual respect and cooperation. We believe that by working together in a spirit of goodwill, we can achieve a peaceful and equitable resolution to our territorial dispute.”

(el Amigo/MNM)