The House of Representatives has pledged all-out funding support to security agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy to reinforce their military strength in the West Philippine Sea.

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday affirmed the House's support in bolstering the country's defense posture in the WPS and in giving the PCG and PN whatever assistance they may need.

"The House is committed to doing everything in its power to protect our rights in the WPS. We fully support our troops and our coast guard patrolling our exclusive economic zone against China's vessels that turn away our fishermen who have a legal right to fish in the WPS," Romualdez said.

The House has steadfastly supported the country's position against China's claim in the contested WPS by giving the PCG and other security agencies additional funding in the face of Beijing's persistent encroachment.

A total of P200 million was added to the PCG's 2024 budget by the House, which was taken from the confidential funds of several civilian agencies, such as the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, headed by Vice President Sara Duterte.

The House said the augmentation of the funds for security forces was to safeguard Philippine territorial waters and guarantee Filipino fishermen's rights and access to their traditional fishing grounds.

On Wednesday, the lower chamber adopted House Resolution 1494, a consolidation of six measures that condemned China's "illegal actions" in the WPS and urged the government to uphold and defend the country's sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone.

The resolution referred to the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling upholding the Philippines' right to the WPS under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

China has insisted on its claim to the WPS, notwithstanding the 2016 landmark ruling.

Last 22 October, a Chinese militia vessel made a dangerous maneuver that led to a collision with a Philippine supply boat.

The collision was China's most recent act of aggression towards Philippine vessels, adding to the series of past attacks, including the pointing of military-grade lasers and the firing of water cannons.

"In clear violation of the arbitral award, China has built artificial islands in various parts of the West Philippine Sea fortified with airstrips, military installations, hardware, and equipment, and has militarized at least three of those artificial islands, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and fighter jets," the resolution read.