No change in WPS Transparency Initiative - DND chief

News | National Posted on 2026-04-24 06:25:47

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the government’s transparency initiative in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will continue despite the leadership change at the National Security Adviser (NSA) post, following the resignation of retired Gen. Eduardo Año on April 15 due to health reasons.

Teodoro stressed that the policy remains unchanged as it is anchored on the administration’s overall strategy and the Philippine Constitution.

“There will be no change because that is the President’s strategy. Our approach in the West Philippine Sea is based on the Constitution, so whoever leads the NSA, the policy will not change,” he said in an interview with reporters on Thursday afternoon.

He made the statement when asked whether the appointment of former Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. as the new NSA would affect the government’s ongoing transparency efforts.

The West Philippine Sea Transparency Initiative, launched in 2023, aims to document and publicly report incidents of Chinese aggression in the area and counter misinformation regarding maritime activities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced the inauguration of the completed basing support system under the Pag-asa Island Project on April 23.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the ceremony was led by Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura. She said the project includes key infrastructure and facilities designed to strengthen air operations and improve sustainment capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.

The project was implemented in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), MAMSAR Construction Corp., and the local government unit of Palawan, reflecting joint efforts to develop strategic infrastructure in the area.

Basco said the development underscores the PAF’s commitment to enhancing operational readiness and maintaining a strong presence in strategically important areas, while supporting the protection of the country’s sovereignty and contributing to regional stability and security.

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA - PR

Share:

Writer :

Link :