Inihayag ni Senator Sherwin Gatchalian na mamadaliin nila ang pagbuo ng Benham Rise Development Authority (BRDA) na unang isinulong ni Senador Sonny Angara.
Ayon kay Gatchalian, kailangan ito para maipakita sa China, na pag-aari ng Pilipinas ang naturang rehiyon na pinaniniwalaang may mga nakadepositong mineral.
“Suspicious activities on the part of Chinese authorities concerning the Benham Rise have underscored the urgent need for the Philippine government to invest significant resources in long-term strategies that will empower us to uphold our clear-cut sovereign rights in the area,” ani Gatchalian.
Inakda ni Angara ang Senate Bill No. 312 o Benham Rise Development Authority Act na naglalayong isailalaim ang rehiyon sa National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) para manguna sa pananaliksik dito.
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Hihilingin ni Gatchalian sa Palasyo na sertipikahan itong “urgent” bill upang agad na maipasa sa Kongreso.
“With the unified support of the executive and legislative branches, there is a good chance to pass this critical legislation before Congress closes for the sine die adjournment,” aniya. (Leonel M. Abasola)
