MANILA, Philippines – Para kay House Speaker Martin Romualdez, tama lamang na taasan ang 2024 budget ng Defense Department upang mapalakas ang kakayahan nito na maproteksyunan ang bansa laban sa labas na pwersa.
“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,” pahayag ni Romualdez.
Sa ilalim ng 2024 proposed national budget, ang defense sector ay mabibigyan ng P282.7 billion budget, mataas ito ng 21.6% mula sa 2023 budget na P203.4 billion.
Ang nasabing budget ay para sa Land, Air, Naval Forces Defense Programs at UN Peacekeeping Mission.
“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,” pahayag 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,” dagdag pa nito.
Sinabi ni Romualdez na ang pagbibigay prayoridad sa defense sector ay pagpapakita din sa mundo na handa ang bansa na proteksyunan ang soberenya nito.
“it is the duty of the entire government that our nation is adequately equipped to face any challenges that may come our way. By prioritizing our defense sector in the budget, we are making a commitment to our people, to our allies, and to the international community that reflects our unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty and promote regional stability,” pagtatapos pa ni Romualdez. Gail Mendoza
