Urgent Call to Build Up Philippine Navy
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – Representative Arnan C. Panaligan urged Malacanang and Congress to build up and strengthen the Philippine Navy to better protect the nation’s extensive maritime zones. In his privilege speech on June 2 at the resumption of the congressional session, Panaligan highlighted the significant progress made by the Philippine Navy since World War II. Yet, he stressed that much remains to be done to transform it into a modern and credible naval force.
“Mr. Speaker, I therefore rise on a question of personal and collective privilege to call for urgent and decisive action to build up and strengthen our naval capabilities in order to protect and secure the vast maritime areas of our archipelagic nation,” Panaligan declared. He emphasized that securing the country’s maritime areas is crucial to deny any hostile foreign power from intruding.
Protecting Rich Maritime Resources
The lawmaker pointed out that the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) contains abundant marine life and aquatic resources vital to the Philippines’ food security. Additionally, the zone holds vast reserves of oil and natural gas beneath its seabed and subsoil, along with promising renewable energy sources like wind and tidal power.
However, Panaligan noted, “We can explore, exploit, utilize, and enjoy the natural and mineral resources in our waters only if we have the means and capability of establishing control and dominance over our country’s maritime zones.”
Challenges from Foreign Aggression
He criticized aggressive actions by the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia, which endangered Filipino sailors and scientists conducting surveys in the West Philippine Sea. Panaligan condemned these forces for harassing Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal and disregarding the 2016 arbitral ruling that sided with the Philippines.
“Our inability to establish dominance in our maritime areas because of the inadequacy of our naval capabilities has invited acts of aggression perpetrated by a foreign power against our forces in our own waters, notably in the West Philippine Sea,” the reelected congressman said.
The Imperative of Strengthening Naval Forces
The current situation in the West Philippine Sea makes strengthening the Philippine Navy essential for national security, economic progress, and survival, Panaligan stressed. He called on government leaders to prioritize naval modernization to safeguard territorial integrity and protect Filipino livelihoods.
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