Senators led by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri on Thursday, August 10, threw their support behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s row with China over the BRP Sierra Madre.

Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (Senate PRIB Photo)
In a statement, Marcos said that if there is really an agreement between the Philippine and China on removing BRP Sierra Madre, he would rescind it now.
"I fully support our President 100 percent, make no mistake," Zubiri said.
"Ayungin Shoal (where BRP Sierra Madre is grounded) is Philippine Territory, period. And the Chinese are squatting all around it," he added.
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero said he completely agrees with and supports the position of President Marcos on this matter.
Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, son of former President Joseph Estrada, said it was his father ‘’who ordered that BRP Sierra Madre be placed in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 as a symbol of our sovereignty and to mark our territory.”
"I cannot recall of such a commitment from the Philippine Government to remove the Sierra Madre,” Ejercito said.
“That area was peaceful and supply of food and supplies to the Marines until recently was smooth,” he added.