More senators on Monday condemned China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea which resulted in a collision with Philippine vessels en route to a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.

For Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, China "has gone too far in disrespecting the Philippines" when it performed "dangerous blocking maneuvers" that resulted in a collision with the Unaiza May 2, an indigenous boat contracted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

"I strongly condemn the recent aggression of the Chinese Coast Guard against our Philippine Coast Guard," Ejercito said in a statement.

"The reckless maneuvers executed by the CCG, which resulted in a collision with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply vessel, were not only provocative but also a blatant act of bullying that must be denounced, not only by us but by the international community," he added.

Ejercito said the act of harassment of China within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone "obviously violates our sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"We must strongly assert the 2016 arbitral ruling, which clearly affirms that the Philippines has the exclusive rights over the West Philippine Sea," he said.

"This ruling is not only legally binding but a reflection of the principles of international law," he added.

China claims the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. However, on 12 July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration favored the Philippines' arbitral case against China.

Seven years after the Tribunal favored the Philippines' arbitral case against China, the ruling remains on paper as China continues to disregard it by keeping its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Ejercito said it is "essential to note that this is not the first time the CCG has engaged in such provocative actions against our coastal guards and fisherfolks."

"Moreover, it is the government's duty to ensure the safety of our waters for all Filipinos. We cannot and will not allow such incidents to jeopardize the safety of our people, particularly those who serve in our armed forces and the PCG," he said.

"At the same time, I personally believe that it is high time to expedite the modernization of our Armed Forces in the coming years to protect our sovereignty, safeguard our maritime interests, and ensure the safety and security of our people," he added.

'Potential flashpoint'

Senator Grace Poe, likewise, expressed concern over the "dangerous blocking maneuver" carried out by CCG against Philippine vessels.

"China's latest act of aggression poses a credible concern that could heighten the tension not only between Philippines and China, but could also be a potential flashpoint in the region," Poe said in a separate statement.

"While an immediate diplomatic protest is anticipated, the recent incident calls for a serious rethinking of our strategies in dealing with these acts," she added.

She continued: "As we firmly assert our rights in our waters, fortifying our relations with like-minded states must continue to thwart similar belligerent actions."

On Sunday, Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Senators Risa Hontiveros, and Francis Tolentino expressed their anger over the collision that put the safety of the Filipino crew at risk.

"I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal," Zubiri said.

"Let me salute our personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia," he added.

Hontiveros echoed Zubiri's call on China to "stop" its activities in the West Philippine Sea which she said clearly violates international law.

"This latest collision is squarely the China Coast Guard's fault," she said in a separate statement.

"The 2016 Arbitral Award has resolutely invalidated China's claims in the West Philippine Sea, making this incident a clear violation of international law," she added.

For his part, Tolentino said the recent confrontation between the Philippines and China clearly shows China's continuous disregard for international law.

He noted that the incident should be investigated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the Code for Investigation ng Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization.