
Mr. President, I wish to place on record my gratitude to the sponsor of this measure and Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Affairs, former Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for elevating this bill to the plenary and making the Third Reading approval possible.
As one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2900, I sincerely believe in the importance of setting up an economic zone specially dedicated to defense manufacturing and enterprises. This legislation becomes a perfect and logical companion policy to the Self-Reliant Defense Posture or the SRDP program which this representation as Chairperson of the Committee on National Defense and Security sponsored, with the able and kind assistance of Sen. Migz.
Given the flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific region, the continuing threat of the longest-running insurgency, and the emergence of extremist groups, it is imperative that we have the domestic reliable capacity to support our troops and uniformed personnel so they can function well and fully perform their mandate. At hindi po ito kayang gawing mag-isa ng pamahalaan. The support of the private sector in fortifying and upgrading our defense arsenal and military fleets is crucial.
Matagal na po nating dapat napasa ang napakahalagang panukalang ito, at masasabi ngang nahuhuli na tayo kumpara sa ating mga karatig-bansa na may kanya-kanya nang “robust defense industries.” Nonetheless, I am glad that we will not wait any longer, as I trust that this will be enacted and signed into law very soon.
Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to foreign aircraft manufacturers who expressed great interest in entering the nascent local defense industry and partnering with Filipino businesses, following the signing of Republic Act No. 12024 or the SRDP Revitalization Law. I do hope that with today’s passage of the Special Defense Economic Zone Act or SpeDEZA, they will be motivated even more to come here, collaborate with the boundless Filipino talent, forge mutually beneficial tie-ups with us towards keeping peace and stability in the region.
Apart from the bright economic prospects of labor generation and enhanced productivity, we take note that this measure also helps address the pressing needs for AFP modernization and funding for AFP retirees’ pension, as dividends remitted by the SpeDEZA within the first 15 years will be exclusively utilized for the abovementioned programs.
Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues. Again, congratulations to the good sponsor.