NINE months after the Senate bill identifying the locations of the Philippine Navy’s “forward operating bases” (FOB) was filed, Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino wants its passage fast-tracked amid the continuing tension at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the recent siting of Chinese research vessels near the Philippine (Benham) Rise.

Tolentino filed on 14 July 2022, Senate Bill No. 654, entitled “An Act Institutionalizing the Philippine Navy Forward Operating Bases in line with the Philippine Navy Strategic Basing Plan 2040.

“SB No. 654 identified strategic sites around the country that are either under development or proposed to be developed. However, acquiring these properties or developing these areas is difficult due to a lack of resources,” he said.

Tolentino explained that the FOB, smaller than a main naval base and operating base, will not require the same budgetary allocation as a regular naval base but shall serve as an outpost in strategic locations near the WPS and the Philippine (Benham) Rise.

“These FOBs are to be established as naval and military facilities that can immediately carry out the Philippine Navy’s mandate in the country’s far-flung areas and as potential sites for future upgrades and expansion,” the lawmaker added.

The strategic locations identified by the Phil Navy Directorate for Real Estate Management as priority sites in its Strategic Basing Plan 2040 based on its strategic location to serve as FOB are 15.

Tolentino gave an estimate of P1-B initial budgetary requirement once the Senate bill is approved into law. “Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of the Masterplan as provided in this Act shall be included in the annual GAA of the DND.”

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