Despite the current territorial dispute China continued to build new infrastructures on West Philippine Sea, in consonance with this, Magdalo party-list Representative Ashley Acedillo on Wednesday called on the government to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.
To empower the Air Force and Navy to protect the Philippines' airspace and maritime interests, Acedillo asked for more funds in a privilege speech.
“Despite a call for moratorium on construction in the area, China continues to build infrastructure”, Acedillo stated as he presented the developments of the latter.
He said that the Mischief Reef now had solar panels, weather radars, power generators, machine guns, and an infrastructure that looked like a military garrison after China took over in 1995.
Acedillo said China was also constructing infrastructure in Chigua Reef, Johnson Reef, Gaven Reef, and Cuarteron Reef.
“Incidents like Chinese coast guard training water cannons on Philippine ships may continue and even worse because of China's reinforced
presence in Spratlys Islands”, Acedillo said.
Eventually, the Philippines will have a harder time protecting its interest in the disputed territories without an empowered AFP, he said.
Acedillo also warned of poaching that cost the Philippines P26.5 billion each year.
He added that the country has the potential of P3.2 trillion profits from gas and oil in the area will go to waste if the country will not be able to protect its territories.
Photo: credit to the owner
