Senators honor defenders of PH sovereignty on Araw ng Kagitingan

As the country commemorates Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), senators on Tuesday highlighted the contributions of those who defend Philippine sovereignty, particularly those who assert Filipinos' rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri honored the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police for "bravely fighting for our freedom and sovereignty against internal and external threats."

Similarly, Senator Risa Hontiveros praised the brave men and women who defend the WPS, saying their "daily acts of courage, in the face of a giant threat, honor the lives of those before us who suffered and sacrificed in the name of our sovereignty."

"The everyday courage — of the Filipino fisherfolk venturing out to sea, of the Coast Guard patrolling our waters, of our Navy standing guard on an ailing yet resolute ship — stirs our hearts and strengthens our resolve to fight for what is ours, for what is right, for what is true," Hontiveros said.

She called on the Filipinos and fellow public servants to "unequivocally stand" with all WPS defenders who "bear the brunt of China's tyranny."

"At a time when water cannons routinely attack and injure our uniformed personnel, there must be no room for ambiguity. Tumindig tayong lahat alang-alang sa ating mga tagapagtanggol, alang-alang sa ating kaligtasan, alang-alang sa kapayapaan ni Inang Bayan," she said.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva likewise reminded everyone of the need for Filipinos to unify to overcome the "big challenge that the country is facing, especially in light of China's aggression and suppression of our rights in the West Philippine Sea."

He likewise honored the Filipino laborers, especially the overseas Filipino workers who sacrificed to serve their countrymen, families, and the Philippines.

The soldiers, policemen, civil servants, medical workers, teachers, farmers, indigenous peoples, OFWs, and other "modern-day heroes" were likewise honored by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda.

"Sa paglipas ng panahon, huwag sana nating ibaon ang kanilang kabayanihan sa limot. Atin din kilalanin ang pag-usbong ng mga makabagong bayani na may adhikaing kagaya ng diwang makabayan na ipinakita ng mga bayani nating lumaban sa Bataan," Legarda said.

While she honored the brave men who defend the country's sovereignty, Senator Imee Marcos said that there was a need for the government to revive the Self-Reliant Defense Posture, noting that it has long been overdue.

"Filipinos do not suffer from a lack of talent, skills or expertise to produce our defensive weapons, but suffer from gross government neglect and a lack of appreciation for the importance of and wisdom in relying on ourselves for our defense,” she said in a statement.

She mentioned a Commission on Audit report indicating that the Government Arsenal, which is under the Department of National Defense, failed to produce enough small arms and ammunition (SAA) despite spending almost P455 million from its 2023 budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, and compared to only P87.4 million in 2022.

“This is sad news about basic weapons for our soldiers and policemen. Money is being wasted. Will the lives of our men in uniform be wasted as well?" the senator asked.

On the other hand, Senator Grace Poe stressed the need to ensure that the war veterans receive the care and support that they deserve for their "unparalleled valor and gallantry." — DVM, GMA Integrated News