The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses grave concern over the increasing foreign military presence in the Philippine seas, particularly following the surfacing of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and reports of a planned U.S. naval base in Misamis Oriental.
According to Prof. Roland Simbulan, Chair of CenPEG, “The growing militarization of the Philippine seas is a clear threat to our sovereignty and national security. Our country is being drawn into the geopolitical rivalries of global powers, and the people of the Philippines stand to lose the most in this dangerous game of chess. We must not allow foreign military forces, whether from Russia, the United States, or China, to undermine our territorial integrity.”
Prof. Simbulan further emphasized, “The presence of foreign military forces does not contribute to peace or stability. It only heightens tensions, increases the risk of conflict, and exposes our nation to external influence that threatens to undermine our national interests. The Philippine government must assert control over our waters and safeguard our sovereignty at all costs.”
CenPEG reiterates its call for a foreign policy that is truly independent and grounded in the principles of the Philippine Constitution. “It is crucial that we prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over foreign military agendas. Instead of investing in foreign-backed military projects, such as the proposed U.S. military base in Misamis Oriental, the Philippines should focus on addressing the dire issues that affect our citizens, such as the worsening economic crisis, poverty, unemployment, and the high cost of living,” Prof. Simbulan stated.
He continued, “Our country’s resources should be directed toward long-term development projects that improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos, not to foreign military installations that do nothing to solve our people’s most urgent needs.”
CenPEG calls on the Philippine government to reaffirm its commitment to an independent foreign policy—one that emphasizes diplomacy, peace, and regional cooperation, and that strengthens the social and economic fabric of the nation. “The billions being allocated for military build-ups should be redirected toward initiatives that foster inclusive development, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Filipinos,” Prof. Simbulan concluded.
The Center for People Empowerment in Governance urges the Philippine government to reject the growing militarization of the region and focus on building a peaceful, prosperous, and sovereign future for the Filipino people. #
