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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez bent on defending WPS: 'We are resolute in our goal'

Romualdez bent on defending WPS: 'We are resolute in our goal'

Published Dec 21, 2023 04:44 pm

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez has reiterated his commitment to having the defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) adequately funded. 

IMG-457a9ee670093299566870a5b3f5c98a-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has reiterated his commitment to having the defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) adequately funded. 

"We are resolute in our goal to ensure a future where our fishermen can fish in peace, and our natural resources are managed sustainably for the Filipino people," Romualdez said following his participation Thursday, Dec. 21 in the 88th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. 

By WPS, Romualdez was referring to Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales and Pangasinan in the north to Ayungin Shoal in Palawan in the south. 

"The House aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a modern and well-equipped AFP, capable of effectively asserting our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights," declared the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, who accompanied President Marcos to the AFP event. 

Marcos signed into law last Wednesday the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024, the largest in the country’s history. 

The 2024 budget includes P1.5 billion for the expansion and development of the airport in Pag-asa Island in the WPS. 

An additional P800 million has been earmarked for the construction of a shelter port for fishermen and boats in Lawak, Palawan - the island nearest to Ayungin Shoal, where Filipino soldiers man a rusting Navy vessel, grounded there in 1999 as a symbol of Philippine presence. 

These funds, Romualdez explained, will support the AFP’s modernization, including purchasing advanced military equipment, patrol boats, aircraft, and communication systems, thereby enhancing maritime and border patrol capabilities. 

Romualdez mentioned that the AFP can also rely on the House's support for initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and compensation of AFP personnel, acknowledging their dedication and ensuring their morale. 

Last September, the House passed House Bill (HB) No.8969, or the “Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension System Act,” authored by Speaker Romualdez. The bill proposes a guaranteed three percent annual salary increase for MUP for the first 10 years after the law's enactment. 

Romualdez says the proposed law aims to balance the provision of monthly pensions and other benefits to uniformed service personnel, thus ensuring sustainability while being equitable to them and the national government. 

“Together, the House and the Marcos administration are committed to empowering the AFP, protecting our territorial integrity, and fostering a brighter future for all Filipinos,” Romualdez said.

 

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Martin Romualdez West Philippine Sea
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