Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday reaffirmed the full support of the House of Representatives to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative for the continuous enhancement of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) capabilities, as well as the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“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 said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
Romualdez issued the statement following the collision incident Tuesday morning between the Philippine Coast Guard vessel escorting the rotation and reprovisioning operation of the AFP and a bigger Chinese Coast Guard ship.
The incident occurred as Philippine vessels were on their way to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal to deliver supplies to Navy personnel stationed on the ship.
In his keynote address at the Lowly Institute in Melbourne, Australia, President Marcos 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.
Marcos said 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.
Under the defense plan, Marcos said Philippine forces must be able to guarantee, to the fullest extent possible, Filipinos, Philippine corporations and those authorized by the Philippine government, unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where the country has jurisdiction, including within its exclusive economic zone in accordance with international law.
He said Philippine agencies, forces and institutions are working to strengthen their capabilities, noting the country is on the frontline of international efforts to preserve, defend and uphold the rules-based international order.
Meanwhile, Romualdez said he also supports the President Marcos’ emphasis on bilateral and diplomatic engagements, saying the stability and prosperity of the region rely heavily on the principles of diplomacy and adherence to the rules-based order.
Marcos has emphasized that in addressing its differences with China, the Philippines will continue to engage with its giant neighbor bilaterally and through Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led mechanisms.
“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,” Romualdez said.
According to the PCG, the collision between BRP Sindangan and China Coast Guard vessel 21555 resulted in minor structural damage to the PCG vessel.
The incident on Tuesday morning was the latest in several similar disturbing incidents that occurred between Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed waters in the past several months, including other dangerous actions such as the pointing of military-grade lasers and water cannon firing on Filipino vessels. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/armedforcesofthephilippines
