Boosting West Philippine Sea defense part of ratified budget – Migz

MANILA, Philippines — True to his earlier promise, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri yesterday announced that the Senate ratified next year’s national budget with an additional P10.47-billion allocation for the much-needed boost to the country’s defensive posture in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The proposed P5.768-trillion national budget also has allocations of P731.4 billion in unprogrammed appropriations and an increase in the House of Representatives of P12.5 billion.

Congress realigned portions of next year’s national budget to agencies tasked with safeguarding the country’s maritime interests against China’s bullying tactics in Philippine waters, according to Zubiri.

“As we have learned from the constant bullying and aggression of China against Filipino fishermen and our protectors in the West Philippine Sea and our exclusive economic zone, we badly need to upgrade our capabilities in patrolling our seas. As promised, your Senate has delivered,” he said.

He added that during the bicameral conference, Congress agreed to augment the Department of National Defense (DND) budget, particularly for the Armed Forces and the Philippine Navy, with P6.17 billion; Philippine Coast Guard, P2.8 billion; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P1 billion and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), P500 million.

The additional funds would be used for purchasing patrol ships and defense equipment, according to the Senate leader.

“Our brave Coast Guard and Navy, even with their limited mobility and equipment, are not wanting in courage and bravery in standing up to their Chinese oppressors,” he said.

“I say to you: take heart because your Congress sees your situation and has done its part to address the deficiency,” he added.

Congress also augmented the DENR’s budget to set up a Marine Research Center in one of the islands in the WPS.

“We hope that this boost in funds for the purchase of additional patrol ships and defense equipment will also boost the morale of our brave Coast Guard and soldiers in protecting our exclusive economic zone,” Zubiri said.

During yesterday’s plenary session, the Senate president also clarified that “for the record,