Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has urged China to show sincerity and respect to neighboring countries amid its repeated acts of harassment against Philippine vessels.

In an interview on Wednesday, Dec. 13, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, emphasized the repeated nature of these incidents as he strongly condemned the continuous harassment by China of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The latest incident involved a ship, which was sailing to Ayungin Shoal on a resupply mission last Dec. 10.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner was on board the vessel when it was blasted with a water cannon by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship.

"Kinokondena po natin itong nangyari na naman sa karagatan ng West Philippine Sea. Unang-una, paulit-ulit na po. Halos buwan-buwan, halos linggo-linggo ay naiuulat po natin itong harassment, pag-water cannon o pag-laser po sa ating mga barko at sa ating mga mangingisda na nahaharass po (We condemn this act that happened in the West Philippine Sea. First of all, this keeps happening. Almost every month, every week, there are reported incidents of harassments, blasting of water cannons, or lasers used against our ships and our fisherfolk who are being harrassed),” said Go.

“At sana naman kung ano ang binitawan ng bansang Tsina na salita ay tuparin ninyo po ito (And I hope China fulfills whatever promise it made),” added Go.

Go expressed his exasperation over the persistent harassment, and emphasized the need for the Philippines to firmly assert its territorial rights.

In light of these events, Go urged President Marcos to reassess the country's strategy in dealing with China.

Further, he proposed the involvement of the National Security Council (NSC) and the expertise of former presidents in shaping the country's response.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., also criticized China's "roguish behavior", following the repeated use of water cannons on Philippine vessels in the WPS.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) condemned China's "unsafe and escalatory tactics" in the region. It underscored the need for adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award findings, which were legally binding.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri called for the appointment of a new Chinese envoy to de-escalate tensions, while former Supreme Court (SC) associate justice Antonio Carpio suggested the construction of a civilian structure such as a lighthouse or marine research center on Ayungin Shoal to counter China's aggression.

Go also previously denounced similar aggressive acts by the Chinese in the region, notably when a CCG vessel used water cannons against a Filipino boat trying to deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, which is grounded at Ayungin Shoal, and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.

To further improve the country’s maritime capabilities, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2112, or the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Bill. The proposed bill seeks to upgrade the PCG’s assets and resources, to enable the service to carry out its duties and responsibilities more effectively. Its main goal is to upgrade the PCG’s vessels, aircraft, and equipment to meet international standards.

Such improvements, if the measure is enacted into law, are also expected to significantly enhance response time during maritime incidents and emergencies.

"Our coast guard serves as the frontline defense against threats like smuggling and terrorism," he noted.

Go, together with fellow senators, has also pushed for additional budget for the AFP as well as the PCG to their strengthen capabilities in protecting Philippine territory.