In the midst of escalating tensions caused by dangerous maneuvers and swarming of Chinese ships at the West Philippine Sea, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hopes for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to ensure that the Philippines is able to protect its territorial integrity.
On Monday, July 10, Go emphasized in an interview after his visit to Quezon City, the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to confrontation.
“Alam nyo tulad po ng stand ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte, kung ano po ang atin ay atin po ‘yon. What is ours is ours. Ibig sabihin atin po ‘yon. Ipaglaban po natin. Kung ano po ang napanalunan natin, atin po ‘yun. Even an inch, wala po tayong dapat ibigay,” Go said.
“Sa ngayon naman po ayaw natin ng giyera ‘di ba? Dahil paano tayo makipag-giyera sa ngayon sa kanila? Ngunit ang Pilipino po ay kilala na lumaban. Kaya kung maaari ay magkaroon ito ng peaceful resolution. Ako naman po ay naniniwala na kung pwede natin itong pag-usapan ay pag-usapan po natin sa maayos na paraan. Dahil ang kawawa naman po ay ating mga mananagat kapag sila po ang hina-harass,” he cited.
According to an official statement on Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are planning to increase their maritime patrols in the Iroquois Reef in response to the recent presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
The Western Command of the AFP reported the discovery on June 30, of 48 boats suspected to be part of the Chinese maritime militia near Iroquois Reef, also known as Del Pilar Reef.
Iroquois Reef is situated south of the resource-abundant Recto Bank and falls within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
In addition to advocating for peaceful resolutions, Go, as the Senate National Defense Vice Chair, continues to prioritize national security through efforts to modernize, capacitate and support uniformed personnel so that they can effectively protect the country’s territorial integrity and maritime interests.
Go has proposed Senate Bill No. 2112 aimed at modernizing and enhancing the Philippine Coast Guard to better protect the country’s maritime resources. It likewise aims to strengthen the PCG by equipping it with essential assets and resources, enabling the service to effectively carry out its duties and responsibilities.
The main goal of the bill is to elevate the PCG’s vessels, aircraft, and equipment to meet international standards. This upgrade will lead to a substantial improvement in the PCG’s response time.
“Nag-file po ako sa Senado ‘yung Senate Bill 2112 which aims to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, ‘yung mga enforcement of Philippine Laws in our Maritime Zone. Matulungan sila, mga bagong kagamitan, equipment, infrastructure, training at manpower para mas mabantayan pa natin ang ating mga borders po. And of course, itong modernization ng ating Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Go said.
“Full support po ako parati diyan. Para sa akin po ulitin ko, sana po ay magkaroon po ng peaceful resolution. Usap muna, pero ipaglaban natin kung ano ang atin. What is ours is ours,” he added.
Go has always been supportive of the country’s military and other uniformed personnel. He emphasized that their unparalleled service, bravery and heroism should be truly commended and reciprocated.
“Buhay ang isinasakripisyo nila para mapanatili ang seguridad ng bansa. Iba po ang sakripisyo nila dahil buhay po ang nakataya dito. It is for this reason that I assure every uniformed personnel that I will only push for or support any measure which will be for the betterment of our uniformed personnel,” Go earlier said.
“Kahit isang boto lang ako dito, palagi kong ipaglalaban kung ano pong makakabuti sa mga nagseserbisyo sa bayan,” he added.
The Senator also cited that under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, they increased the salary of military and other uniformed personnel in recognition of their service. Go, who was Special Assistant to the President then, was instrumental in pursuing the salary increase.