Tolentino: PH needs submarines
SENATOR Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino has called for immediate upgrade of the nation’s maritime fleet.
These statements come in the wake of Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontivero’s privilege speech calling to investigate the alleged gentleman’s agreement between the previous Duterte administration and the Chinese government.
“Kaya tayo kinakawawa ng China, kulang ang ating kagamitan lalo na sa karagatan. Ang kulang satin ay submarines,” the senator said.
Tolentino draws attention to Isaac Peral, the inventor of Peral submarine launched in 1888, who had once resided and died in the Philippines. The submarine is still patrolling the seas being used by NATO forces.
“It’s about time that we upgrade our fleet, especially our Philippine Navy,” said Tolentino.
On the other hand, Senator Koko Pimentel said that it would be better to buy additional service vessels instead of submarine, citing potential cost concerns.
Tolentino, in his response, underscored the strategic values of submarines, highlighting its ability to operate undetected.
He said other countries such as Cambodia and Indonesia have already invested in submarines.
“The importance of submarines would lie in the ability of submarines to have undetected, reconnaissance, surveillance and strategic deterrence. Iba na po yung mayroon tayong submarines, they resurface every 80 days,” he explained.
