The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Tracy Cabrera
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — Pointing to the threat posed by China’s increased activities in the area surrounding Palawan, defense secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro cited the need to put ample defense facilities on the island as it is a vital part of the country’s territorial integrity.
Speaking before the Senate’s finance committee chaired by senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian, Teodoro warned that the Philippines risks losing both its maritime and land territories if it fails to actively assert and protect its sovereign rights.
The defense secretary likened the worrisome situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Philippine (formerly Benham) Rise to neglected real estate properties.
“These properties will end up being occupied by others due to inaction,” he asserted.
Teodoro also underscored the need to expand the Philippine Army’s presence, particularly in Palawan even as he described the island province as strategically vital but inadequately defended.