Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, Chair of the Committee on Labor and Employment Opportunities and Committee on Human Rights, has strongly opposed reports of a proposed U.S.-funded military oil depot in the Davao Region, warning it could pose risks to Philippine sovereignty, civilian safety, and national security.
In a privilege speech, Librado-Morata expressed concern over reports that the United States has opened bidding for a facility intended to support its expanding military operations in the Indo-Pacific.
“One that directly affects our sovereignty, our security, and the fundamental rights of our people,” Librado-Morata said.
She described the project as more than infrastructure, calling it “a strategic military installation” linked to defense agreements such as EDCA, MDT, and VFA.
“As Chair of the Committee on Human Rights, I cannot remain silent,” she added.
Librado-Morata also raised geopolitical concerns, citing global conflicts involving major powers.
“The United States is currently engaged in a war with Iran – widely described as a ‘war of choice’ – a conflict driven by geopolitical interests rather than necessity,” she said.
She warned that such facilities “are not neutral; they enable war,” and could turn the Philippines into “a proxy staging ground for foreign conflicts.”
“This is not simply about defense cooperation. This is about being drawn into conflicts that are not ours. Dili nato tugotan nga padayon nga mahimong extension sa maski unsa nga langyaw nga military intervention ang atoang yuta. Dili nato tugotan nga ang Pilipinas mahimong proxy sa mga gyera sa mga dagkong nasod. Bisan wala kita’y apil sa gyera nga giapilan sa US, mahimo kitang target kung kita mahimong refueling hub,” she said.
She also cited risks faced by countries hosting foreign military facilities, stressing that civilians would be most affected.
“Kung mahimong target ang atong lugar, ang unang maapektuhan mao ang ordinaryong katawhan,” she said.
Librado-Morata further questioned the timing of the proposal amid economic challenges, including rising fuel prices and energy concerns.
“Yet we are prioritizing infrastructure that fuels foreign military operations. Samtang ang katawhan naglisod sa kamahal ug kakulang sa produktong petrolyo, ang gobyerno motugot og depot para sa militar sa usa ka langyaw nga nasud nga mo-imbak og lana para sa gera,” she said.
She also raised constitutional concerns, citing the need for an independent foreign policy grounded on sovereignty and national interest.
“The Philippines must uphold a policy of neutrality and independence. We must not host foreign military bases—US or otherwise—on our soil, nor allow our territory to be used as a platform for any foreign power’s war. Our land must serve the Filipino people, not foreign military interests,” she said.
Librado-Morata urged the city council to take a formal stand against the proposal.
“I call on this body to pass a resolution expressing our collective opposition to any move that undermines our security as Dabawenyos and sovereignty as a nation, and reject any move that turns our country into a proxy for foreign wars,” she said.
