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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Minority solon backs DFA's diplomatic protest vs China on flare incident 

Minority solon backs DFA's diplomatic protest vs China on flare incident 

Published Aug 15, 2024 05:02 am

At A Glance

  • House Assistant Minority Leader 1-Rider Party-list says he fully supports the DFA's actions in filing a diplomatic protest against China after its air force performed dangerous actions over Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Screenshot_20230516-102759_Chrome.jpgWest Philippine Sea (Wikipedia)




House Assistant Minority Leader 1-Rider Party-list says he fully supports the DFA’s actions in filing a diplomatic protest against China after its air force performed dangerous actions over Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“I cannot speak on behalf Congress but I'm pretty sure everyone will agree, I don't think may kokontra dito (I don't think anybody will oppose this), we support 100 percent the diplomatic protest,” Gutierrez said in a recent press conference.

This, as the "Young Guns" bloc member noted that China had been finding “creative ways of using tactics” in the WPS.

Reports said that last Aug. 8, two People's Liberation Army Air Force jets performed "dangerous and provocative actions" against a Philippine Air Force (PAF) plane, wherein the Chinese dropped flares in the path of a NC-212i PAF propeller aircraft.

"So, we agree with the position of the President. We agree definitely and we support the diplomatic protest that is being filed by the DFA, and you can count on our support more than just words,” added Gutierrez.

The minority bloc member also cited House Speaker Martin Romualdez's readiness to support the armed forces and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in whatever they need for the defense of the country’s territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Personally, I think all the congressman here are excited to hear [Department of National Defense] Sec. [Gilberto] Teodoro’s proposal for the next budget and they can count on our full support po dun (they can count on our full support there).

"We will be supporting their budget whatever that they may need, for as long as kaya po ng fiscal space,” Gutierrez said.

Increase DFA budget

Speaking of the ongoing deliberations on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is batting for a P5-billion increase to the DFA budget, from P27.4 billion to P32.4 billion.

He said he wants the DFA to use part of the P5-billion increase, if approved, for work related to the defense of the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over the WPS in light of China’s increasingly aggressive activities in the disputed islands and waters that are inside Philippine territory.

Rodriguez, chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, said the additional funds could also be used to help overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and other Filipinos abroad who are in distress.

He reckoned that the DFA and labor agencies should have more assistance funds for OFWs, especially those in the Middle East and other countries and regions facing security issues.

Related Tags

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Rufus Rodriguez Rodge Gutierrez
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