Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte has proposed to increase the Navy budget substantially to enable the service to enhance local maritime defense amid ongoing aggressions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Villafuerte, at the same time, rallied behind a government initiative to pursue legal action against China following the recent ramming of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel by a Chinese ship at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
During a recent Commission on Appointments (CA) session that reviewed the promotions of 32 senior military officers, the senior congressman cited the need for increased funding to acquire more naval assets. This is part of a dual strategy to address the growing threats from Chinese vessels in the WPS.
Villafuerte, the CA majority leader, expressed support for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) plan to file a legal case against China in response to the August 31 incident at Escoda Shoal.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy deputy commander and spokesperson for the WPS, affirmed the military’s commitment to a rules-based approach and adherence to international law.
He noted the Marcos administration has been supportive of the Armed Forces, recently endorsing a $35-billion program over ten years to enhance military capabilities.
