Speaker Romualdez seeks Coast Guard modernization plan

Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to submit a comprehensive and strategic "modernization plan" ahead of the deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget.

In a statement, Romualdez said the plan should outline the necessary steps and resources required to enhance the Coast Guard’s capabilities, particularly for patrolling and safeguarding the Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea.

"Our national security and sovereignty are paramount. By ensuring that our Coast Guard is well-equipped and well-funded, we can better protect our territorial integrity against external threats and assert our sovereign rights in these contested waters,” Romualdez, a Commodore of PCG Auxiliary, said.

“This document will serve as a basis for potential legislative action aimed at funding these crucial enhancements.The House of Representatives is committed to backing the Philippine Coast Guard in its vital role,” added Romualdez said.

“It’s not just about responding to immediate threats but also about maintaining a presence that underscores our commitment to national and regional security."

The PCG is dealing with lingering Chinese aggression within the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles off the territorial sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea, including being at the receiving end of intense water cannon attacks from the Chinese.  

The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, back in July 2016, already upheld the Philippines’ 200 nautical miles off territorial sea EEZ in the West Philippine Sea as well as declared the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and Recto (Reed) Bank) as within the Philippines' EEZ.

In addition, the same court ruled that Bajo de Masinloc, locally known as Scarborough Shoal, is a common fishing ground.
 
China, however, refused to recognize the ruling. —VAL, GMA Integrated News