Following the collision of two Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, lawmakers in the Senate have called the incident ‘karma’ for the Chinese maritime operatives; however, they urged an end to the aggression there.

“This is a classic case of reaping what one sows. The Chinese Coast Guard must cease engaging in dangerous maneuvers against our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other maritime vessels. These tactics not only endanger our maritime personnel and fisherfolk, but they also unnecessarily escalate tensions. Nothing good will come of such actions, except the empty display of logistical superiority,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

With the incident, Estrada maintained that the Philippines will not be cowed and will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty, protect its people, and uphold the rule of law.

“I also commend the professionalism and magnanimous act of our PCG personnel, who helped and provided medical aid to the injured Chinese crew members, even in the face of the continuing reckless aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Nagawa pa nilang mag-alok ng tulong matapos na makaranas muli sila ng pag-water cannon,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva stressed that the latest incident at the WPS only shows the peril that the country’s troops face in asserting rightful jurisdiction over the contested waters.

“We're grateful that despite the harassment, our Coast Guard personnel are safe and able to continue their duty of patrolling our territorial waters. We reiterate to the Chinese Coast Guard and fishing militia: Your continued presence and operation at the West Philippine Sea is illegal and unauthorized. The West Philippine Sea is ours. Get out of Philippine waters!” he underlined.

For her part, minority Senator Risa Hontiveros also urged China to stop their violence.

“Dahil sa gigil nilang itaboy ang mga Pilipino sa sarili nating karagatan, ang mismong mga barko nila —ang Chinese Coast Guard at Chinese Navy— ang nagkabanggaan. This proves that Beijing’s own actions are reckless, and endanger their own people. I hope they take this incident as a lesson,” she said.

Moreover, Hontiveros said she continues to call on the Marcos Jr. administration to support the country’s fisherfolk to the fullest extent possible, and to allow them continued access to their traditional fishing areas in the Bajo de Masinloc.

“It is also crucial that we maintain a year-round maritime law enforcement presence to safeguard our fisherfolk. Kahit ano pang panghaharass ng China, hinding-hindi nila maiaalis ang katotohanan na atin ang West Philippine Sea,” she said.