As the tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) underscores the necessity for modern weaponry, Senator Chiz Escudero stressed that the country should not prompt a rush into panic buying defense equipment.
"It is expected that arms merchants are beating a path to our door because they sense sales opportunity from a crisis. But we should be picky buyers because we don't have unlimited money," he said.
"Parang paalala sa pagbili ng gamot. Piliin kung ano ang mabisa at abot-kaya. Huwag pa-budol sa quack medicine," the Senator added.
Escudero advised the government not to compromise its discernment while seeking defense materials.
"Smart buying is the key because we don't have the resources to engage in an arms race. Magkano ba ang sticker price ng isang barko? Bilyun-bilyon. Hindi naman online shopping iyan na swipe, and add to cart. We have Rolls Royce dreams on a tricycle budget," he remarked.
The PCG on Sunday that the CCG had illicitly <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/pcg-condemns-china-coast-guard's-illegal-use-of-water-cannons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">employed water cannons against PCG vessels</a> while it was en route to supply provisions such as food, water, fuel, and other essentials to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed on BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earliler said that it has called upon China's envoy and submitted a <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/dfa-summons-chinese-ambassador-lodges-protest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diplomat protest</a> to Beijing.
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‘Huwag pa-budol’ Escudero on panic buying defense equipment amidst WPS tension