SENATOR-ELECT Francis Tolentino has proposed the adding of a fourth star on the Philippine flag.
Tolentino, one of the invited guests during the city government’s celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day at the Rizal Park, Davao City, said the fourth star will symbolize the Benham Rise, an island group located at the Northeastern side of the country in the Pacific Ocean.
The senator-elect said the government continues to assert its claim in the island group, as written on the Treaty of Paris.
“A fourth star to reflect the Benham Rise, the future Philippines, the future land for the next generation of Filipinos,” Tolentino said in his speech.
Tolentino, however, said his proposal will need to undergo several consultations from different historical agencies including the National Historical Commission.
He also said legislation must be passed to materialize this proposal.
The island group is being claimed by neighboring countries, particularly China.
Tolentino who will be sitting in the Senate this July, said the legislative body will monitor the diplomatic actions of the government to win its territorial claim.
Meanwhile, he renewed his call for the support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration especially in his campaign against drugs, corruption, criminality, poverty, and natural calamities.