ADVANCING NATIONAL SECURITY EFFORTS, BONG GO SUPPORTS FUNDING FOR PUERTO PRINCESA AIRBASE EXPANSION

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, has successfully pushed for the inclusion of funding in the 2025 national budget to support the construction of new facilities for Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

This strategic development aims to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities in the West Philippine Sea while enhancing regional disaster response preparedness.

The Antonio Bautista Air Base serves as a critical hub for military operations, particularly in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty over contested waters. Senator Go emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure that strengthens the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and ensures their operational readiness.

“Suportado ko ang ating military at iba pang uniformed personnel. Patuloy nating isusulong ang kanilang kapakanan. Napakahalaga na suportahan natin ang ating mga sundalo na tumatayong bantay sa ating teritoryo. Ang pagpapalakas ng kanilang kakayahan ay hindi lamang para sa seguridad ng ating bansa, kundi pati na rin para sa mabilisang pagtugon sa mga sakuna,” Senator Go said.

The funding allocation covers the construction of additional operational facilities, barracks, and command centers at the airbase. These improvements are expected to enhance the military’s capability to monitor and respond to activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), ensuring a stronger presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Apart from the airbase expansion and support for the armed forces, Senator Go continues to advocate for measures aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime security and disaster preparedness.

As one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2112, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Modernization Bill, Senator Go highlighted the need for a well-equipped and highly trained Coast Guard to protect the nation’s waters and respond to emergencies.

The PCG Modernization Bill seeks to provide advanced vessels, aircraft, and cutting-edge technology to the agency, ensuring it can address maritime challenges effectively. These upgrades will also aid the PCG in combating smuggling, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats, while simultaneously enhancing their capacity to respond to natural disasters.

Senator Go’s initiatives align with his broader advocacy for national security and disaster resilience. By supporting infrastructure projects like the expansion of Antonio Bautista Air Base and championing the modernization of the PCG, Senator Go underscores the importance of equipping uniformed personnel and frontline responders with the tools they need to perform their duties effectively.

“Ang kaligtasan ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa ating kakayahang maghanda at tumugon sa anumang hamon, mula sa banta ng ibang bansa hanggang sa mga kalamidad na dulot ng kalikasan. Sa pagtutulungan natin, maipapakita natin na ang Pilipinas ay handang ipagtanggol ang ating kasarinlan at kapakanan ng ating mamamayan,” he concluded.