Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, welcomed the inclusion in the 2025 national budget funding for the expansion of Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This initiative aims to enhance national defense in the West Philippine Sea while boosting disaster response capabilities in the region. Go pushed for the project to be funded.

The Antonio Bautista Air Base plays a vital role in military operations, particularly in protecting the nation’s sovereignty over contested waters. Senator Go underscored the significance of strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through infrastructure investments.

"Suportado ko ang ating military at iba pang uniformed personnel. Patuloy nating isusulong ang kanilang kapakanan. Napakahalaga na suportahan natin ang ating mga sundalo na tumatayong bantay sa ating teritoryo. Ang pagpapalakas ng kanilang kakayahan ay hindi lamang para sa seguridad ng ating bansa, kundi pati na rin para sa mabilisang pagtugon sa mga sakuna," Senator Go said.

(I support our military and uniformed personnel. We will continue to push for their welfare. It's very important to support our soldiers that stand guard for out territory. Strengthening their capacity won't just improve our security, but our ability to quickly respond to disasters as well.)

Enhanced facilities for national security

The funding allocation includes the construction of operational facilities, barracks, and command centers at the airbase. These upgrades aim to improve the AFP’s ability to monitor and respond to activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reinforcing a stronger presence in the West Philippine Sea.

In addition to military readiness, these improvements will support faster disaster response operations, a critical function for the region prone to natural calamities.

Beyond the airbase expansion, Senator Go continues to advocate for strengthened maritime security and disaster preparedness. As an author of Senate Bill No. 2112, or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Modernization Bill, he has pushed for upgrades to ensure the PCG is well-equipped to address maritime threats and emergencies.

The PCG Modernization Bill proposes advanced vessels, aircraft, and technology to combat smuggling, illegal fishing, and other maritime issues, while also enhancing disaster response capabilities. These efforts align with the senator’s broader advocacy for national security and resilience.

Commitment to safeguarding the nation

"Ang kaligtasan ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa ating kakayahang maghanda at tumugon sa anumang hamon, mula sa banta ng ibang bansa hanggang sa mga kalamidad na dulot ng kalikasan," Senator Go concluded.

(The safety of our country depends on our ability to prepare for and respond to any challenge, from threats from other countries to calamities caused by nature.)

Through infrastructure projects like the Antonio Bautista Air Base expansion and legislative measures such as the PCG Modernization Bill, Senator Go continues to emphasize the importance of equipping the nation’s uniformed personnel with the resources they need to protect the country effectively.