Romualdez: Join PCGA to defend sovereignty

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez urged Filipinos to volunteer for the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) to help protect national sovereignty amid ongoing disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Romualdez's call comes as Chinese vessels continue to interfere with Filipino activities, such as blocking a civilian boat delivering supplies to the West Philippine Sea.

The speaker emphasized that no country has the right to interfere with Filipino citizens' activities in their own waters and cited public support for strengthening national defense, with 77 percent backing according to a Social Weather Stations survey.

Volunteers aged 18 and above, including those with maritime experience, can join the PCGA by completing basic requirements such as an application form and attending an orientation seminar.

Romualdez stressed that defending Philippine sovereignty is a collective effort and urged citizens not to wait for further incidents before taking action, noting China's dual approach of digital propaganda and naval aggression in the South China Sea.