Charge it to defense budget

I keep reading news reports that our government will demand payment from the United States government for the damage done by the USS Guardian to the Tubbataha Reef.

May we know how much the actual cost of the damage is? Then let’s compare it to how much it costs warships from the US Seventh Fleet to make regular visits to and patrols in the Philippine seas. The presence of these warships in Philippine territory is one of the basic reasons why our covetous neighbors have not invaded our country for its natural resources.

If the Philippine government, because of its shortsighted mindset, insists on charging the US government for accidentally damaging the corals, we, the Filipino people, will launch a campaign to raise the money to pay for the damage, in behalf of the US government.

We will deduct the amount paid from our tax liabilities to the Philippine government, and the Philippine government should consider the payment part of its national defense budget.

—DING J. WENCESLAO JR., chair
Katipunan ng mga Mamamayan ng Bagong Pilipinas
(1 + 1 Katipunan)
Corporate Centre,
Aseana Powerstation Bldg., Macapagal Boulevard corner Bradco Avenue, Parañaque City