Tolentino urges Marcos, Teodoro to establish West Philippine Sea Command

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino urged President Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro during Wednesday's Kapihan Sa Senado forum to establish guidelines for a West Philippine Sea Command.

Tolentino emphasized the proposed command would enhance maritime security by improving response capabilities, focusing on Palawan province and nearby maritime territories including Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) and Ayungin Shoal.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Philippine Navy welcomed Tolentino's proposal but noted that it is currently being considered within the context of existing unified commands like Wescom and Nolcom, which already oversee operations in the WPS.

Tolentino plans to write a letter to President Marcos outlining operational and strategic reasons for establishing an independent West Philippine Sea Command led by an admiral from the Philippine Navy.

The new command would ensure better coordination and quicker response times, focusing on the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and National Police Maritime Command.

Tolentino authored and chairs the committee overseeing Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones (PMZ) Act, which aims to delineate maritime boundaries in accordance with international laws.