House eyes more funds to protect Philippines maritime rights

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is eyeing a higher allocation – including by tapping confidential and intelligence funds – for the protection and defense of the country’s maritime territory, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Speaker and President Marcos instructed us to earmark funds, confidential and intelligence funds, to protect our area. Unfortunately, I’m not at liberty to disclose that amount here, or give details because of the nature of our security there,” Rep. Zaldy Co said in an interview over dzRH radio.

“We will take care of that. It’s good that we have readily available funds for that. At least, it will not be zero,” Co, chairman of the House appropriations committee, said, referring to China’s provocative acts in the West Philippine Sea.

“Under the administration of President Marcos and Speaker (Martin) Romualdez, we assure you that funds will definitely be available specifically for that purpose,” he added.

Told in the interview of the need to upgrade the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy, Co said: “Yes, definitely.”

“But I’m sorry if we cannot give details for those,” the lawmaker said.

He said the government may even just “copy” Beijing’s tact of deploying militia vessels disguised as civilian or fishing vessels.

“We will also do that now, and we’re prepared for that, that’s why we’re ready to load financial support for such endeavors,” the senior administration lawmaker said.

In a statement yesterday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the proposed amendments to the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 or Republic Act 7227 are expected to bring benefits to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“By further