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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Chiz: Funding for new PH facilities in WPS already a 'done deal' in the Senate

Chiz: Funding for new PH facilities in WPS already a 'done deal' in the Senate

Published Nov 7, 2023 06:53 am

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Tuesday, November 7 that the funding for the new facilities at the Ayungin Shoal and Kalayaan island—the country’s frontline posts in the West Philippine Sea—is already a done deal in the Senate. 

Escudero, who first broached the idea of constructing a floating wharf at Ayungin Shoal that would also serve as a refuge for all vessels passing through it, said senators are unanimous in putting funds under the proposed 2024 national budget for these structures. 

However, Escudero said senators have yet to agree on the exact amount of budget Congress should appropriate for such project. 

The senator had recommended an initial P100-million for the project, to be lodged under the Department of Transportation (DOTR) or the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

for this purpose, but other senators are suggesting a bigger appropriation, or as much as P1-billion as suggested by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also supported this proposed amount.

“I would now hold them to their assurance, and the best proof would be in the 2024 appropriations bill,” Escudero said.

The lawmaker also said he will insist that the infrastructure budget for the country’s “biggest real estate” in the WPS, the 37-hectare Kalayaan Island, which hosts air and naval stations, be also increased.

According to the senator, he could not understand why only P80-million was allotted for the two projects under the 2024 national budget. 

“They should back up their rhetoric with resources. Anger is good but appropriations are better,” Escudero said, referring to the proposed two-story military barracks and an igloo-type ammunition storage each costing P40 million and lodged under the budget of the DPWH.

“WPS is a hotspot. Unless you’ve been living under the rock, you cannot miss what’s happening there. These are large blips in our radar but these escaped detection by those who prepared the budget,” he pointed out. 

He stressed that the fund augmentation should go to the improvement of the Rancudo Airfield and the Liwanag Naval Station in the island.

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Chiz Escudero 2024 national budget west ph sea
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