By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has vowed continued support for the islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the uniformed personnel stationed there.
“Patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga proyekto at programang ikauunlad ng Pag-asa. This is how we defend the West Philippine Sea – by taking care of our people and helping them build a stronger and larger community here,” Zubiri said during his visit to Kalayaan Island.
He was accompanied by Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during his visit.
Zubiri stated that, given their control over the national budget, they would allocate additional funds for the development of the islands in the WPS.
He also mentioned that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard would receive funding for additional equipment.
However, he did not specify what these devices were, noting that Chinese militia and China Coast Guard ships, positioned just a few miles from Pag-asa Island, might be listening.
(el Amigo/MNM)
