Senate Pres. Zubiri assures Senate will push for higher budget for PCG
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 In today's Senate session, to hear the proposed budget of the Philippine Coast Guard and more
00:05 on the latest resupply mission and encounter at the West Philippine Sea, the presence of
00:11 a US aircraft was called into question on the observatory nature of its mission.
00:17 But the Senators were fully satisfied on the explanation by DND and the Philippine Navy
00:21 officials as our Daniel Manalastas lays out in this report.
00:29 The Senate President himself assured the Coast Guard that them Senators will push for a higher
00:35 budget for them.
00:36 In light of the tension in the West Philippine Sea, Senate President Juan Miguel G. Biddy
00:40 also detailed the importance of having an ally in light of the tensions with China.
00:46 "In my opinion, if there is a conventional warfare, the remaining conventional equipment
00:58 and forces, we cannot do this alone.
01:02 We need the help of our allies, whether we like it or not."
01:08 During the hearing, Senator Robin Hood Padilla questioned the presence of the US Navy during
01:14 the resupply mission in Ayunginsho.
01:16 But the Coast Guard and even the Department of National Defense explained.
01:20 "I think it's coordinated, sir, with the AFP under the framework."
01:25 "We are not violating anything there.
01:28 The Coast Guard is a civilian in nature.
01:32 We are accepting that we have armed forces there of the US."
01:40 "The presence of the US military and the Coast Guard, the Philippine military, in our exclusive
01:47 economic zone is within our right."
01:50 "What is clear to you, the act of war?
01:52 That is what is clear to us."
01:55 "The armed attack is defined by Article 51 of the United Nations."
02:01 The DND also assured everyone that on their part, there is no retreat, even with the problems
02:07 on equipment they are facing.
02:09 "We are not admitting anything.
02:11 We will not admit that we cannot do the job.
02:14 We, the Americans or any other country, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard
02:20 are not going to give up because there are Americans or not.
02:23 We will not admit that we cannot do it.
02:26 We will be able to use any equipment."
02:29 Meanwhile, according to some experts, there is nothing wrong with the US presence.
02:34 "Even if there is an operation or not, it has freedom of navigation and overflight.
02:39 There is no violation of international law."
02:42 While when asked in case of armed tension...
02:45 "We will be ready when the time comes and in fact we are preparing the necessary continuity
02:53 plans."
02:54 "Thank you.
02:55 When the time comes, call us, Senator Ruben Padilla, Senator Tolentino, Senator Gingo,
03:00 Senator Riza.
03:01 We will go with you.
03:02 We will bring weapons.
03:03 We will fight there.
03:04 We will join you when the time comes."
03:08 Daniel Manalastas for the Nation.