Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Tuesday said that he will push for the allocation of ₱100 million fund for the construction of permanent facilities in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
During Senate's plenary session, he said the facilities will serve as shelter or lodging facilities for both military officers and fishermen.
"Again not only for our soldiers but any fisherman of whatever nationality that may need some shelter and sanctuary," he said.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who sits as the chairperson of the Senate Committee of National Defense, backed the proposal and said that the ₱100 million fund may not be sufficient.
"I've been to Pag-asa Island. I encourage my colleagues to drop by Pag-asa Island to see the situation of our citizens there. Even the health center, the barangay center, there are no other services that can be offered by our government. So I fully support the proposal of Senator Escudero," he said.
Senate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri also declared his support for Escudero's recommendation.
Escudero also asked his fellow lawmakers to support him in calling for the replacement of the military ship BRP Sierra Madre that is grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999.
Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros backed the proposed reinforcement and refurbishment of BRP Sierra Madre.
Meanwhile, in the same plenary session, Escudero appealed to his fellow Senators not to argue with one another on who promised the Chinese government to remove the BRP Sierra Madre in 1999.
He stressed that President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has already spoken that if such an agreement exists, he will immediately repeal it.
"That should have put an end to this issue. Ang nakakalungkot, Mr. President dahil tayo na ang nag-aaway at nagsisihan dahil sinabi ng matuturing natin katunggali sa West Philippine Sea. Huwag natin hayaan o pahintuluan na mangyari ito sa pagitan nating mga Pilipino," the Senator said.
Escudero added that they must be united in their position, stance, and principle on the matter.
