House of Representatives. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives supports the allocation of a higher defense fund in the proposed 2024 national budget after the latest incident over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Tuesday.
Romualdez in a statement said that they see the need for an increase in the defense spending, which has gone up by over 21 percent — from P203.4 billion in the 2023 national budget into P282.7 billion in the 2024 National Expenditures Program (NEP).
“By prioritizing our defense sector in the budget, we are making a commitment to our people, to our allies, and to the international community that reflects our unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty and promote regional stability,” Romualdez said.
“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,” he added.
The P282.7 billion proposed defense spending comprises 4.9 percent of the P5.768 trillion NEP — which was submitted to the House last August 2.
READ: House receives proposed P5.768-T nat’l budget for 2024 from DBM
Romualdez further said that the country must take “proactive measures” to enhance defense capabilities to ensure that the country is prepared to face challenges.
“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,” 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 added.
Romualdez’s statement came after the Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday condemned the Chinese Coast Guard for its water cannon attack against local vessels escorting the military in a resupply mission.
The team was supposed to resupply troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, which is located over the WPS region near Palawan. Ayungin Shoal is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
READ: PCG condemns China Coast Guard’s water cannon attack in WPS
READ: US: China’s water cannon attack in WPS ‘threatening regional peace and stability’
Romualdez also lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s actions after the incident — consulting military leaders and sending a note verbale to China — the right move after China’s aggressive actions.