Lawmakers on Tuesday committed that sufficient funding will be set aside in the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 for the Philippine Coast Guard which is presently at the forefront of efforts to secure the country’s territorial boundaries and exclusive economic zone.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe both said the House of Representatives would take their cue from President Marcos State of the Nation Address when deliberating on the National Expenditure Program.
“The policy is always being set by the President and we take guidance from his SONA, and everyone in the House knows how the President gives importance on defending our national territory and integrity,” Dalipe said.
“No doubt, I think each member of the majority bloc would be in full support of the President in giving more support to the Philippine Coast Guard and all other agencies that would help protect… especially our fisherfolks in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
The House of Representatives is set to deliberate next week on the 2025 NEP.
The Marcos administration is seeking some P256.1 billion pesos for defense spending in 2025.
The amount accounts for four percent of the proposed NEP and represents a 6.4 percent increase from this year’s defense budget.
Of the total proposed defense allocation, P204.4 billion will go to land, air, and naval forces defense programs, the budget department said, while P50 billion will help fund the Armed Forces’ revised modernization plan, which reflects a shift in priorities to external defense.
Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. awarded 28 Navy personnel erstwhile stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.
He welcomed the returning sailors as they arrived at the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay Pier in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The group completed their deployment aboard the marooned ship, which serves as an AFP outpost in the West Philippine Sea, on July 27.
Brawner commended the troops for their dedication and commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests amid China’s aggression.
“The AFP extends its heartfelt gratitude to these valiant men and women for their unwavering service and sacrifices. Their dedication ensures the integrity of our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights, reflecting the true spirit of patriotism,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Congress to ensure budgetary support for PCG, West Philippine Sea
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