Magdalo solon bats for increased AFP funding as China builds more structures

Magdalo party-list Representative Ashley Acedillo on Wednesday called on the government to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program as China continued to build new infrastructures on West Philippine Sea despite territorial disputes, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported on Wednesday.

 

In a prvilege speech, Acedillo asked for more funds  to empower the Air Force and Navy to protect the Philippines' airspace and maritime interests. 

 

Acedillo also presented the developments that China has set in the disputed territories despite a a call for moratorium on construction in the area.

 

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.

In photos taken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines mid-July, there were cement mixer trucks, gravel and sand, and temporary shelters for the workers in the said reefs. 

 

Meanwhile, Acedillo said no development happened in any of the islands of the Philippines in the area.  

 

Acedillo said that because of China's reinforced presence in Spratlys Islands, incidents like Chinese coast guard training water cannons on Philippine ships may continue and even worsen.

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.

The country's potential P3.2 trillion profit from gas and oil in the area will also go to waste, he added. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News