Marine research centers to bolster PH’s rights, sovereignty

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

A Marine Research Center will soon be built  in the islands of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) following the inclusion of funds for it in the PHP5.768 trillion 2024 General Appropriations Act.

Senate President Juan Miguel  Zubiri said these funds  will be under the control and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

These research centers, he noted, are envisioned to bolster the Philippines’s right to the islands in the WPS as well as its  Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) as upheld in 2016 by the ruling of the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“As we have learned from the constant bullying and aggression of China against Filipino fishermen and our protectors in the WPS and our EEZ, we badly need to upgrade our capabilities in patrolling our seas,” said Zubiri. 

“As promised, your Senate has delivered,” pointed out the said Senate chief. 

He included institutional amendments that will provide the much-needed boost to the country’s defensive posture in the WPS. 

He consistently maintained the inclusion of an additional budget of PHP10.47 billion to upgrade the country’s defense capabilities and enhance presence in the WPS.

Specifically, a PHP6.17 billion has been added to the budget of the Department of National Defense for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’  Philippine Navy, PHP2.8 billion for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PHP1 billion for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and PHP500 million for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

He said the funds will be used for the purchase of additional patrol ships and other defense equipment.

“Our brave Coast Guard and Navy, even with their limited mobility and equipment, are not wanting in courage and bravery in standing up to their Chinese oppressors. “I say to you, take heart because your Congress sees your situation and has done its part to address the deficiency,” said Zubiri. 

“You have been an inspiration to us all by giving us a much-needed boost in our own courage and bravery.” 

Zubiri has repeatedly condemned China’s attacks and bullying of Filipino fishermen, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Marines  which he described “as a heartless attacks.”