MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign a proclamation making a part of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as a defense naval base.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa disclosed the matter at the Senate鈥檚 Thursday plenary debates on the Department of National Defense鈥檚 (DND) proposed funding, saying he was informed about it by Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. himself.
鈥溾�橸ung plano ng DND pala mas maganda (The DND鈥檚 plan actually turned out better). They are awaiting the signature of the President for that presidential proclamation making a portion of SBMA as their naval base,鈥� said dela Rosa.
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For his part, Sen. JV Ejercito pointed out that the country spends P1 billion yearly to rent Hyundai鈥檚 ship-building facility where new Philippine Navy ships are presently docked.
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Ejercito said he welcomes the DND鈥檚 pronouncement, adding that the armed forces or the DND itself could improve the facilities further with the extra savings left.
鈥淪o at least 鈥榶un atin pong mga bagong frigates mabibigyan na ng (So at least our new frigates will be given) necessary support so that they can function better,鈥� said Ejercito.
鈥淎gain, with the situation right now in the West Philippine Sea, for our improvement of our external defense 鈥� it will be a good idea to have a joint base with the airforce there,鈥� he emphasized.