Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Monday, August 7 renewed his push for the modernization of the country’s military assets so it can effectively deter all kinds of threats and provocations in the West Philippine Sea. 

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, outlined specific measures to modernize the 1935 National Defense Act and revitalize the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, while making it clear that the military upgrade is a necessary step to deter any potential threats without resorting to conflict or inciting aggression. (Senate PRIB Photo)

Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, reiterated this during the panel’s deliberation into the National Defense Act and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture. 

“It would also be useful if we could frame the discussions with the recent aggression encountered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)  from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG),” Estrada said during the hearing. 

“Pinapaalis po tayo ng ating kapitbahay sa sarili nating bakuran! Hindi lang tayo basta sinabihan o binantaan, kundi binomba pa ng tubig (Our neighbor is kicking us out of our own yard! Not only were we told or threatened, but we were bombarded with water),” he said. 

“It is high time that we get our acts together, fortify our defense establishment – from the strengthening of the defense organization and make it responsive to the call of the times and enable them to fully and effectively perform their mandate as protector of the State, our sovereignty, and the people, up to the upgrading of our military assets, not to proceed to war nor provoke further aggression, but to stand up and be able to defend ourselves, and to deter all kinds of threats coming from all fronts,” the senator added. 

Estrada also said China’s actions not only undermine regional stability but also erodes trust and cooperation especially in the ASEAN region. 

“The continuing acts of harassment and provocation by the Chinese Coast Guard against the Philippine Coast Guard are a matter of great concern. Just last June 30, PCG ships experienced a similar aggressive action during a regular operation to re-supply marines stationed in Ayungin Shoal,” Estrada pointed out.

“The freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle upheld by the international community and any attempt to impede the lawful operations of another nation’s vessels in open waters is unacceptable,” he said. 

He said the CCG’s blocking and using of water cannons “is an alarming display of aggression and a violation of maritime norms and international law.” 

“The freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle upheld by the international community, and any attempt to impede the lawful operations of another nation’s vessels in open waters is unacceptable,” he stressed. 

“Such actions not only undermine regional stability but also erode trust and cooperation among neighboring countries,” the lawmaker stressed.
 

“I stand in solidarity with the PCG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, supporting their commitment to ensuring the maritime security of our country. Their safety and well-being are of paramount importance,” he said.

Estrada also reiterated his call for Chinese authorities  to abide by the principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and refrain from engaging in any actions that could escalate tensions in the region.

“The Senate has already taken a stance against the repeated bullying and acts of harassment against the PCG. Our government, through the DFA, should seriously consider responding to Senate Resolution 718 and act swiftly,” he said.

“Malinaw na malinaw na hindi nirerespesto ng China ang  PCG, ang mga karapatan natin, ang soberanya ng bansa (It’s clear that China does not respect our PCG, our rights, the sovereign rights of our country). Enough is enough,” Estrada stressed.