House Speaker Martin Romualdez (leftmost, seated) fields questions during The Defense Forum on Nov. 10, 2023. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez underscored on late Friday afternoon, Nov. 10 the government's "unwavering commitment" to safeguarding Philippine territorial integrity.

He did so in front of attendees from the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. 

The association organized on Friday an event dubbed The Defense Forum: Strengthening Legislative Measures in Support of National Security, where Romualdez was the guest speaker and resource person. 

"Our commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our citizens remains unwavering. As a nation, we must take proactive measures to enhance our defense capabilities and ensure that we have the necessary resources to effectively protect our sovereign rights,” the House leader said in his speech. 

Romualdez gave this remarks in the backdrop of continued aggressive moves by China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In fact, there was one such incident that same morning. 

“Our nation stands at a pivotal juncture, where the ripples of global tensions are felt even within the serene waters of the [WPS]. It is here that our brave men and women in uniform stand as sentinels of sovereignty, safeguarding our nation’s territory against the ceaseless tides of adversity,” the Speaker said. 

“The House of Representatives, fully aware of the weight of this responsibility, has been unyielding in its commitment to fortify the operational capabilities of our Armed Forces. We have embarked on a strategic journey, not only to modernize our military assets but also to ensure that our personnel are equipped with the fortitude of skill and the assurance of a nation’s unwavering support,” he noted. 

The 300-plus strong House of Representatives passed on third and final reading the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 last Sept. 27. The chamber allocated P282.7 billion to the defense sector--a significant  21.percent increase from the current 2023 budget. 

READ THiS:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/10/romualdez-calls-out-chinese-coast-guard-anew-says-its-actions-cannot-be-tolerated

Specifically, Romualdez said the defense budget has been allocated funds to support critical initiatives such as the "land, air, and naval forces defense programs", to the tune of P188.5 billion. 

He said the amount does not include P1.23 billion in realigned confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs). The House strategically realigned these funds to frontline agencies tasked with ensuring national security and safeguarding the country's territorial rights in the WPS. 

This strategic reallocation includes P300 million to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P100 million to the National Security Council (NSC), P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for intelligence activities and ammunition, and P381.3 million to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the development or expansion of Pag-Asa Island Airport. 

“This allocation demonstrates our dedication to maintaining a strong and credible defense posture, one that sends a clear message that we will not compromise when it comes to safeguarding our national interests,”  Speaker Romualdez said. 

“We must remember that a strong defense is not merely a tool for confrontation, but a means to uphold peace, stability, and the rule of law," he said. 

At the same time, Romualdez restated the House’s support for President Marcos' position on asserting Philippine sovereignty in the WPS. 

“As we move forward, let us remember that each vessel we commission, each new weapon we procure, and each policy we enact in support of our military is a testament to our resolve as a nation. A resolve to protect our land, our people, and the freedoms we hold sacred," he said. 

“In conclusion, let the message go forth from this gathering that the Philippine military is strong, our resolve is steadfast, and our commitment to the welfare of our soldiers is unshakeable. Together, we will continue to stand as valiant guardians of peace, for today, for tomorrow, and for all the days to come," the Speaker concluded.