House leader backs DND stand on enhancing PH defense capabilities

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Quad Committee, said Beijing has no business meddling in Manila’s affairs. (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – A House leader on Thursday expressed his full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for his efforts to safeguard the Philippines’ territorial integrity and national sovereignty amid China’s criticism of the country’s military upgrades.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Quad Committee, said Beijing has no business meddling in Manila’s affairs.

“The China government and its leaders have no business nor moral ascendancy to meddle with what the Philippine government does or wants to do in its effort to upgrade and accelerate its military capability, such as acquiring mid-range missiles and other armaments from the United States,” Barbers said.

He accused China of employing “bullying tactics” by criticizing the country’s actions to protect its territory and sovereignty, calling on Filipinos to stand united behind Teodoro.

“The Filipino people, including Senators and Congressmen, should rally and voice out their support to Secretary Gibo Teodoro for standing up against the whims and caprices of the China government and its leaders,” Barbers said.

“Sobra nang pakikialam ang ginagawa ng China sa ating bansa at dapat magkaisa at sama-sama tayong lahat na Filipino na pigilin at tuligsain ang kanilang mga makasariling layunin sa loob at labas ng bansa, partikular na sa West Philippine Sea (China’s interference in our country has gone too far, and all of us Filipinos should unite and collectively stop and criticize their selfish intentions both within and outside the country, particularly in the West Philippine Sea),” he added.

Teodoro earlier said the deployment of the US-made mid-range capability “Typhon” Missile System in the Philippines in the context of joint exercises is completely “legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach”.

He added that enhancement of the country’s defense capabilities in accordance with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept is conducted based on the Philippines’ own national interest and by the country’s independent foreign policy.

China recently warned that the Philippines’ weapons upgrade could heighten geopolitical tensions and spark an arms race in the region.

Barbers dismissed this assertion as political nonsense, pointing to Beijing’s aggressive military expansion and regional activities.

“China is up and planning for a world domination by upgrading to the max its military hardware and technology,” Barbers said.

The lawmaker echoed Teodoro’s stance that Beijing must take responsibility for reducing regional tensions by ceasing provocative actions and withdrawing its forces from Philippine waters.

Teodoro has accused the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) of expanding its nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile capability, “sponsoring criminal syndicates and subversive organizations beyond their shores, and is unwilling to uphold human rights in their own country”.

Barbers also criticized CPC spokesperson Mao Ning for calling Manila’s planned military upgrades an “irresponsible choice.”

He suggested that China’s objection stemmed from self-interest.

“Baka siguro gusto ng China ay sa kanila tayo bumili ng mga military weapons na kung iisipin ay baka mabudol tayo dahil kilala sila sa pag-produce ng mga counterfeit o peke na mga gamit (Maybe what China wants is for us to buy military weapons from them, but if you think about it, we might be scammed because they are known for producing counterfeit or fake items),” Barbers said.