MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III conceded anew on Monday that the country's defensive might is no match against China's military strength.
Aquino recalled the incident in the Ayungin Shoal last year when the Chinese Coast Guard tried to block Filipinos who were transporting supplies to troops stationed at the dilapidated BRP Sierra Madre.
"Ang tanong sa mga panahong iyon, paano natin ito lalabanan? Di naman kaila: Ang mga barkong humaharang, galing sa isang bansang di-hamak na mas malakas ang kakayahang pangmilitar kaysa sa atin," Aquino said in his speech at the Philippine Navy change of command ceremony.
Aquino lamented that during the maritime incident, China had two modern ships while the Philippines only had two old fishing vessels.
"Kumbaga sa boksing, parang pinagtapat ang isang heavyweight sa isang bantamweight. Di po ba’t malinaw na hindi patas ang laban?," Aquino said.
Despite the difference in military capabilities, Aquino said Filipino troops were triumphant in the incident since they only lack equipment but not braveness and determination.
"Pero alam naman ninyo ang nangyari: Mission accomplished ang Philippine Navy—tagumpay ang paghahatid natin ng supply sa Sierra Madre. Dehado man tayo sa sasakyan at kagamitan, ang atin namang mga kawal ay hindi nagkulang sa tapang, diskarte, at paninindigang tuparin ang tungkulin at ipagtanggol ang ating karapatan," the president said.
Aquino thanks Navy
In his speech, Aquino maintained that the problems hounding the Philippine military were only inherited by his administration from the past government.
Aquino thanked the Navy for its continued service in times of disasters despite being ill-equipped.
"Anumang misyon, anumang atas, hindi ko kailanman narinig ang mga linyang, 'Sir, pasensiya na kayo, hindi natin ‘yan magagawa, kasi ganito, kasi ganyan.' Ang lagi lang sagot, 'Yes, sir. Gagawan natin 'yan ng paraan. Pagkakasyahin natin kung ano ang meron tayo,'" Aquino said.
"Walang reklamo, walang palusot. Batid nila ang kakulangan at limitasyon ng ating mga kagamitan at kasangkapan pero sinasagad pa rin nila ang kakayahan para epektibong magampanan ang trabaho at malampasan ang mga hamon," he added.
Aquino assured the Navy that his administration will continue to improve the capabilities and welfare of the uniformed personnel.