House Deputy Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II emphasized the urgency of increasing funding for the defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Gonzales, who chairs the House Special Committee on WPS, stressed the need for the government to prioritize maritime security resources to address ongoing territorial disputes and security concerns in the WPS.
He called for a recalibration of budget allocations to include necessary resources for protecting the area, urging national leaders to prepare for the 2025 national budget call issued by the Department of Budget and Management.
Gonzales proposed that the government identify the needs of security forces, including shops, Coast Guard support, helicopters, and other essential resources, to prevent further aggression in the region.
He highlighted the importance of proactive measures to safeguard Philippine interests, emphasizing the current recourse to diplomatic protests in response to provocations.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 7, 2024
