Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — Lawmakers have allocated more funds for national defense amid China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senator JV Ejercito said Wednesday.
“We are shifting already on external defense so it will cost a lot, but because of the situation, we have to prioritize. So they can expect that the Senate really—and it was just approved in the bicam (bicameral conference)—has allotted quite a big amount,” Ejercito told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
The senator did not specify how much was allocated and where it was sourced, but he noted this will help the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in acquiring assets and catching up with the latter’s delayed modernization program.
“We have capable people but we just have to equip them,” he added.
The PCG and the AFP have been in the frontlines to make sure the Philippines maintains its presence amid China’s increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Lawmakers on Monday ratified the proposed ₱5.768-trillion budget for next year. Senator Sonny Angara, head of the Senate panel in the bicam, said the joint body committed to increasing the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) following the recent events in the West Philippine Sea.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he pushed for the addition of ₱10.47 billion to upgrade the country’s defense capabilities and enhance presence in the WPS.
