SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has assured the nation that the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget includes funds for robust defense of the West Philippine Sea.
He made the assurance Monday in an interview with reporters in Japan, where he accompanied President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the 50th ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit.
Asked about the deletion of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) of civilian agencies, Speaker Romualdez said the House of Representatives and the Senate were one in removing such appropriations.
“Both houses (of Congress) agreed upon it. In fact, the heads of the departments have agreed to it. They have voluntarily withdrawn it (request for confidential funds),” he said.
“And the President is of that mind that as much as possible to minimize the CIFs of the civilian department or agencies and rather focus where, you know, where it’s best suited: dito sa mga security issues, yung defense, ‘yang sa Coast Guard, the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
He added that the Coast Guard has been allocated more funds in the proposed budget for next year.
President Marcos has vowed to pursue a vigorous defense of the West Philippine Sea, saying recent aggressive activities by China in the area have “steeled” the country’s determination to protect disputed islets and other sea features that belong to it under international law.
In his interview, Speaker Romualdez also revealed that the Coast Guard is receiving five additional patrol vessels from Japan.
“That is good also to ensure that our coastlines are well attended to,” he said.
President Marcos is set to sign the proposed 2024 national budget into law on Wednesday.
In crafting its version of next year’s spending program, Speaker Romualdez said the House followed the “parameters” set by the executive branch.
“Sumunod lang naman kami sa mga parameters and we’ve been working closely with OP (Office of the President) and all the departments,” he said.
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