Senator Christopher "Bong" Go filed a bill in response to the violent confrontation on June 17 wherein China's Coast Guard (CCG) and militia swarmed and beat against Philippine vessels.
The senator, as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, said it was time to put an end to China's bullying in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The encounter in Ayungin Shoal left the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard's vessels damaged and an officer from the navy wounded.
In a report by Raymund Dadpaas on MBC TV Network News, Go said it is imperative that all nations adhere to international laws and agreements--in this case, the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, of which both the Philippines and China are signatories. He asserted that in doing this, respect among countries is established and disputes are regulated.
Go stressed that the Philippines desires nothing more than to resolve the WPS conflict through peaceful and diplomatic means.
To aid forces guarding the country's territorial waters, Go filed Senate bill no. 2112, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization bill.
"I believe that the modernization of our coast guard is not only crucial for our national security but also for the safety and well-being of our citizens, especially those who rely on our seas and waterways for their livelihood. We must ensure that our PCG is fully equipped and prepared to protect our waters and our people," Go said.
The PCG's modernization, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) was also notably requested by former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri before.
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda believes the possibility of diplomatically settling the dispute between the Philippines and China should not be overlooked.
