In a recent Senate session, Senator Francis Pangilinan emphasized the critical need for sustained budget allocations to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). This call comes against the backdrop of escalating maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea, highlighted by a concerning incident involving a Chinese frigate.
Aggressive Maneuvers Spark Concern
On May 5, 2025, a Chinese naval vessel conducted what has been described as "aggressive and unsafe" maneuvers against the Filipino naval ship BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) in the Bajo de Masinloc area. At the time of the confrontation, the Philippine vessel was actively engaged in a maritime patrol operation, providing support to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard. This event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Filipino forces in safeguarding the nation's territorial waters.
Pangilinan's Push for Enhanced Funding
During interpellation on his proposed Senate Resolution No. 256, Senator Pangilinan articulated the necessity of robust financial backing for defense modernization. "But if we have a wider network and funding for the Coast Guard, a civilian agency to patrol our seas, our defense of our Exclusive Economic Zone and the West Philippine Sea will become even stronger," he stated. The resolution aims to address statements from the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding Philippine officials who have spoken out on incidents involving fisherfolk and uniformed personnel in disputed waters.
Pangilinan highlighted that ensuring continuous funding remains a significant challenge for the Senate, particularly for the finance committee leadership. "Again, it is a challenge for us in the Senate and the chairman of the Committee of Finance to help continue generating funding or providing funding for the strengthening and modernizing of our defense apparatus," he added. For the year 2026, the AFP has been allocated PHP40 billion for its modernization program, which covers enhancements in equipment, logistics, and training capabilities.
Debate Over Diplomatic Exchanges
The discussion in the Senate also featured contrasting viewpoints on how to manage relations with China. Senator Rodante Marcoleta questioned whether ongoing public exchanges with Chinese officials have yielded tangible benefits for Filipinos. "Every time we do this, the Chinese Embassy keeps responding. So this becomes an endless exchange of jabs and barbs," Marcoleta remarked. He further inquired if these diplomatic interactions have led to concrete outcomes such as reduced prices, improved food security, or expanded fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Legal Foundations and Strategic Response
In response, Pangilinan reaffirmed that the Philippines' maritime claims are firmly rooted in legal frameworks, including Republic Act 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act of 2024. This legislation anchors the country's position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, which invalidated China's expansive nine-dash-line claim. While diplomacy remains a key component, Pangilinan pointed out that China's actions in the region—such as the use of water cannons, ramming, and harassment of Philippine vessels—differ significantly from disputes with other neighboring countries.
He stressed the importance of the Senate standing in solidarity with the Department of National Defense and the AFP, which have publicly condemned what they describe as intimidation tactics by Chinese authorities. The adoption of Senate Resolution No. 256 would signal institutional support for the defense establishment and reaffirm the Philippines' commitment to upholding the arbitral ruling through lawful and peaceful means.
Broad Support for the Resolution
The proposed resolution has garnered backing from several key figures in the Senate, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, among others. This collective endorsement highlights a unified stance on the need to bolster the country's defense capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions.
