Lighthouse eyed for Ayungin Shoal

A bill providing for the construction of a lighthouse in Ayungin Shoal, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,  has been proposed in the House of Representatives.

Representatives Lani Mercado and Jolo Revilla of Cavite and Bryan Revilla of Agimat party-list made the proposal under House Bill 19226.

Under the measure, the lighthouse will monitor and safeguard Philippine sovereign rights and resources in the Ayungin Shoal and adjacent waters, as well as serve as an aid for boats and ships passing through the area to prevent maritime accidents.

The bill tasks the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the planning, design, and construction of the lighthouse in the Ayungin Shoal, while the maintenance will be the responsibility of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

The maintenance operations include but are not limited to regular inspections, repairs, and ensuring that the beacon light remains operational at all times.

The measure states that the amount needed for the construction of the lighthouse will be sourced from the current year's appropriations of the DPWH. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued maintenance of the lighthouse will be included in the annual budget of the PCG.

The filing of the measure comes amid China’s repeated aggression against Philippine vessels in the West Philippines Sea.

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, back in July 2016, invalidated Beijing's massive claim in South China Sea. It also said that Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank form part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines and are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China;

It also ruled that Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal is a common fishing ground.

China, however, refuses to recognize the ruling to this day.—AOL, GMA Integrated News