Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday expressed her support for the proposed reinforcement and refurbishment of the military ship BRP Sierra Madre that is currently grounded in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a video statement, Hontiveros said she will support the proposal if the Philippine Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines will personally request it.
She said she will also ask her fellow Senators to increase the Department of Defense’s (DND) budget for next year.
“Pwede namin itanong ito sa debate sa proposed budget ng DND. Tapos harinawa magiging madali na bantayan ito at siguruhin na makapasok sa final GAA [General Appropriations Act] para sa taong 2024,” Hontiveros added.
The Opposition Senator underscored that there is a need to reinforce the country’s presence in Ayungin Shoal which is part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Dapat lang siguro i-refurbish, alang-alang lang siguro sa makataong antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan na Philippine Navy Marines na literally at figuratively itinataguyod ang watawat natin doon,” she said.
Hontiveros made the remark following the fresh tension between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal.
CCG earlier claimed that its crew fired water cannons on PCG vessels to prevent them from “illegally” entering and doing “illegal activities” in the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef, also known as Ayungin Shoal.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs then demanded the country remove the military ship from Ayungin Shoal.
