In an ambush interview on Wednesday, 13 December, after attending the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Victoria, Tarlac, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go strongly condemned the continuous harassment by China of Philippine vessels along the West Philippine Sea.

The latest incident involved a ship, which was sailing to Ayungin Shoal on a resupply mission on December 10. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner was onboard the vessel when it was blasted with a water cannon by a China Coast Guard ship.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense emphasized the repeated nature of these incidents and urged China to show sincerity and respect with neighboring sovereign nations.

Go expressed his exasperation with the persistent harassment, emphasizing the need for the Philippines to firmly assert its territorial rights.

"Anyway, ako naman po ay nananawagan sa ating mga awtoridad, sa lahat, sa executive department, sa ating military na ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin. What is ours is ours, atin po 'yon, wala po tayong dapat ibigay sa kanila," said Go.

The senator also addressed the incident involving Brawner, underscoring its seriousness. "Naiulat na naman ngayon na mismo si AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner ang tinamaan ng water cannon, 'yung sinasakyan niyang barko," he noted, bringing attention to the direct impact of China's actions on high-ranking Filipino military officials.

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

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

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.

"Bilang inyong senador, nag-file din po ako ng modernization ng ating Coast Guard, karagdagang kagamitan, mga modernong kagamitan po para naman po ma-reinforce natin ang ating PCG," said Go previously.

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. Malaki at importante po ang kanilang trabaho. Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies," Go explained.

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