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Ni ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN
PARA kay House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS partylist), isang mahalagang hakbang sa gitna ng mga banta sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) ang pagpapatibay ng panukalang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Modernization.
Sa isang pahayag, nanawagan si Tulfo sa mga kapwa mambabatas na paspasan ang pagpapatibay ng iniakdang House Bill 10841 na naglalayong itaas ang antas ng organizational at operational na framework ng PCG.
“At a time when our nation faces increasing challenges in safeguarding our maritime territory, this bill ensures that the PCG is equipped with the tools and resources to fulfill its mandate effectively,” ayon pa kay Tulfo sa sponsorship speech para sa panukalang inihain sa Kamara.
“The importance of maritime security cannot be overstated. Everyone knows full well how much our fisherfolk and PCG personnel have suffered over the past few months because of the harassment and aggressive maneuvers of the Chinese Coast Guard in our very waters,” dagdag ng ranking House official.
Sa bisa aniya ng HB 10841, paglalaanan ang PCG ng hindi bababa sa P5 bilyon kada taon. Pasok din sa panukala ni Tulfo pagtanggap ng mga pautang at tulong mula sa lokal o dayuhang institusyon para tiyaking epektibo ang ang modernisasyon.
Bukod sa kanyang mga kasamahan sa ACT-CIS partylist na sina Reps. Edvic Yap at Jocelyn Tulfo, kabilang din sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng HB 10841 sina Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Tingog partylist Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez at Jude Acidre; Reps. Johnny Ty Pimentel, Khymer Adan Olaso, Arnie Fuentebella, Albert Garcia, Michael Romero, Rufus Rodriguez, Eric Martinez, Leody Tarriela, Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva, at Ralph Wendell Tulfo.
“Firm in our stance against these unlawful acts but from the perspective of diplomacy and international support, we remained committed to enhancing instead our defense and surveillance capabilities and strengthening the coordination between government agencies and international partners. This bill is a culmination of such efforts,” anang ACT-CIS partylist solon.
“By empowering the PCG, this legislation reinforces our commitment to assert our sovereignty and protect our maritime waters, ensuring the safety of our fishermen and coastal communities,” dugtong niya.
Ani Tulfo, pamamagitan ng mga modernisadong kagamitan, angkop na pagsasanay at mekanismo sa pananalapi, mas magiging handa ang PCG na tumugon nang mabilis at tiyak sa mga nakaambang banta.
“In our ongoing fight to assert our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, House Bill No. 10841 is both timely and necessary. It strengthens the PCG’s role as the first line of defense in maritime security while positioning the Philippines as a responsible maritime nation.”
