STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA ON THE LATEST WATER CANNON ATTACK OF CHINA COAST GUARD VS BFAR VESSEL

This no longer comes as a surprise, given that the China Coast Guard has been continuously harassing our maritime scientists and uniformed personnel for several years now, with no signs of letting up. Nonetheless, we will not be intimidated and will stand our ground in protesting each and every provocation and violation of our sovereignty and dignity.

We must immediately file a firm and unequivocal diplomatic protest against these repeated transgressions.

This latest incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen our alliances with like-minded nations who share our commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region. Dapat natin palakasin ang pakikipag-ugnayan at security cooperation sa ating mga kaalyado para maprotektahan ang ating mga kababayan at ang ating territorial integrity. We will not be cowed. We will not be silenced. We will stand our ground through lawful and diplomatic means.