Ipinaabot ni Speaker Martin Romualdez ang kanyang paghanga at pasasalamat sa kagitingan at dedikasyon ng mga sundalong Pilipino.
Kasabay nito ay muling siniguro ng House leader ang pangako ng Kamara na palakasin ang operational capabilities ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Sa kaniyang talumpati sa Defense Forum na inorganisa ng National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association, binigyang-diin ni Speaker Romualdez ang mahalagang papel ng AFP sa pagprotekta sa pambansang soberanya sa gitna ng patuloy na pandaigdigang tensyon, lalo na sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“The House of Representatives, fully aware of the weight of this responsibility, has been unyielding in its commitment to fortify the operational capabilities of our Armed Forces. We have embarked on a strategic journey, not only to modernize our military assets but also to ensure that our personnel are equipped with the fortitude of skill and the assurance of a nation’s unwavering support,” aniya.
Inilatag ng House Speaker ang ilan sa mga hakbang ng Kamara para mapatatag ang ating Sandatahang Lakas.
Kabilang dito ang paglalaan ng P282.7 bilyon na pondo sa defense sector para sa 2024 National Budget o katumbas ng 21.6% na pagtaas mula sa 2023 budget.
“Our commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of our citizens remains unwavering. As a nation, we must take proactive measures to enhance our defense capabilities and ensure that we have the necessary resources to effectively protect our sovereign rights,” aniya
Mayroon din aniyang P188.5 bilyon na pondo para sa “Land, Air, and Naval Forces Defense Programs,” kasama ang mga kontribusyon sa United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, na layong tiyakin ang matatag na domestic seguridad.
Maliban pa ito sa P1.23 bilyon na confidential at intelligence funds na inilipat ng Kamara sa mga frontline agency na nagbabantay sa WPS.
“This allocation demonstrates our dedication to maintaining a strong and credible defense posture, one that sends a clear message that we will not compromise when it comes to safeguarding our national interests,” wika ni Romualdez.
“We must remember that a strong defense is not merely a tool for confrontation, but a means to uphold peace, stability, and the rule of law,” saad pa niya.
Nakasuporta rin aniya ang Kamara sa posisyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa paggigiit ng soberanya sa WPS sa pamamagitan ng mga panukalang batas gaya ng Republic Act 11939, na naglalayong palakasin ang propesyonalismo at modernisasyon ng militar at ang pagpapatibay sa House Bill 8969, o reporma sa pension system ng military and uniformed personnel (MUP).
“As we move forward, let us remember that each vessel we commission, each new weapon we procure, and each policy we enact in support of our military is a testament to our resolve as a nation. A resolve to protect our land, our people, and the freedoms we hold sacred. | ulat ni Kathleen Jean Forbes
